Arthritis is highly common, particularly in persons over 50. It leads to joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Your doctor will help you understand what form of arthritis you have, what’s causing it, and what therapies you’ll require. If you have severe arthritis and other therapies aren’t working, you may need joint replacement surgery.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that damages your joints. Joints are sites in the body where two bones contact. Some joints naturally wear down with age. Many people develop arthritis as a result of life’s regular wear and tear. Some types of arthritis develop as a result of joint injury. Certain medical issues can also cause arthritis. Arthritis can affect every joint, but is most commonly found in people:
- Hands and wrists
- Knees
- Hips
- Feet and ankles
- Shoulders
- Lower back (lumbar spine)
A healthcare provider will assist you in identifying and managing symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Some persons with severe arthritis eventually require surgery to replace the afflicted joints.
Consult a doctor if you have severe joint pain that interferes with your regular activities or if you feel you can’t move or use your joints as well as you used to. Types of Arthritis There are over a hundred different forms of arthritis. Some of the most frequent types are:
- Osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis in which your immune system damages your joints by mistake.
- Gout is an arthritis characterised by the formation of sharp uric acid crystals in your joints.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis that affects joints in the lower back.
- Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritic condition that affects patients with psoriatic skin.
- Juvenile arthritis refers to arthritis in children and teenagers under the age of 16.
Depending on the type of arthritis, it can degrade the natural tissue in your joint or induce inflammation (swelling). Some types produce inflammation, which contributes to deterioration.
How common is arthritis?
Arthritis is very common. Experts believe that more than one-third of Americans have some form of arthritis in their joints. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent kind. According to studies, approximately half of all adults will develop osteoarthritis at some point.
Symptoms & Causes
What symptoms and signs do arthritis patients experience?
The most prevalent arthritis symptoms and indicators are:
- Joint discomfort.
- Stiffness or limited range of motion (the distance a joint can move).
- Swelling (inflammation).
- Skin discolouration.
- Tenderness or sensitivity to touch around a joint.
- A sensation of heat or warmth around your joints.
The location of your symptoms depends on the type of arthritis you have and which of your joints it affects. Some kinds of arthritis cause symptoms in intermittent waves known as flares or flare-ups. Others cause pain or stiffness in your joints all the time or after physical activity.
What’s the primary cause of arthritis?
The cause of arthritis varies according to the type:
- Osteoarthritis develops naturally as you age; a lifetime of using your joints can wear down the cartilage cushioning.
- Gout can develop if your blood contains too much uric acid (hyperuricemia).
- Your immune system can cause arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis) by accidentally damaging your joints.
- Certain viral infections, notably COVID-19, can cause viral arthritis.
- Arthritis can occur without a known cause. Providers refer to this as idiopathic arthritis.
What are the risk factors?
Anyone can develop arthritis, however, some variables may make you more likely to. These include:
- Tobacco use: Smoking and other tobacco products raise your risk.
- Family history: People with arthritis in their biological families are more prone to get it.
- Activity level: If you do not engage in regular physical activity, you may be more likely to get arthritis.
- Other health issues: Having autoimmune illnesses, obesity, or any other joint-related condition raises your risk of developing arthritis.
Management & Treatment
What is the treatment for arthritis?
There is no cure for arthritis, but your doctor can help you identify therapies that will help you manage your symptoms. The therapies you’ll require are determined by the cause of your arthritis, the type you have, and which joints are affected. The most prevalent arthritis therapies are:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen.
- Corticosteroids (prescription anti-inflammatory medications, including cortisone shots). If you suffer from rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, you should take disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs).
- Physical and occupational therapy can help you increase your strength, range of motion, and confidence while moving.
- Surgery (typically only when nonsurgical options fail to relieve symptoms).
Conclusion:
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