Last updated on October 7th, 2024 at 05:12 pm
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints. Different types of arthritis affect different joints, bones, tendons and cartilage. It mainly affects the elderly, but youngsters can also be affected.
What does one experience?
Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, redness, swelling, soreness, and stiffness, along with reduced joint movement. Symptoms can vary in severity and frequency. This can make simple tasks challenging. Arthritis can also cause permanent joint changes. It can affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin.
Why does Arthritis happens?
The primary cause of different types of arthritis is weakened cartilage. This can be a result of genes and some environmental influences.
How is Arthritis diagnosed?
Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory results. X-rays. Investigations like a CT or MRI also may be suggested.
What are the different types of arthritis?
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, juvenile arthritis, and infectious arthritis are some of the different types of arthritis.
Types of arthritis
1) Osteoarthritis (OA):
OA is the most commonly noted type. It is an age-related degenerative, progressive joint disease where bone and cartilage are affected. This leads to joint stiffness and discomfort. Types of joint pain can vary according to the joint affected. The joints affected are the hand, spine, knee, foot and hip.
Who is at risk for OA?
People who have joint injuries, overuse joints, women, who are over 50 years old, obese, and have a family history of arthritis
What are the treatment options?
Even though there is no cure, pain medications, moderate physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week), physiotherapy, weight control, and avoiding joint damage can all assist. Surgery is also an option.
2) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
This type of arthritis is brought on by an immune system attack on the lining of the joint. Bones, cartilage, and other tissues may be affected. Two types of rheumatoid arthritis exist –
• One which affects adults – commences in middle age. It is prevalent in the elderly and women.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis – affects children and younger teenagers
Arthritis symptoms include discomfort, oedema, fatigue, fever, loss of joint function, and appetite. These could include a symmetrical progression pattern affecting various joints. Pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after prolonged rest, may last for at least 30 minutes. Symptoms can last for years with periods of worsening and remission. This may be accompanied by anaemia, dry mouth and eyes, depression, and anxiety.
What causes RA?
Genetic, environmental factors and changes in certain sex hormones
How can RA patients improve their quality of life?
Early diagnosis, treatment and adequate rest are crucial. Moderate physical activity is also a must. Pain medications and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs may be advised.
3) Psoriatic arthritis (PA)
Of the different types of arthritis, this type is seen in people with a skin condition called psoriasis. Here, the skin becomes painful, red and scaly.
It impacts people in their 30s to 50s frequently. The wrists, knees, ankles, heel, and lower back all exhibit the sporadic type of joint pain, discomfort, swelling, and red, warm joints. It involves joints at the ends of the fingers and toes. Swollen and sausage-like fingers and/or toes are a possibility. It is possible to see signs of fatigue, eye infections, and nail pitting. Nails and the nail bed might detach.
What causes PA?
It is unknown why PA develops. The condition may have both genetic and environmental factors.
How is PA treated?
No cure exists for this. So early diagnosis is important. Painkillers and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications are administered.
To sum it up
You are not alone if you have arthritis. There are 210 million people with different types of arthritis in India. https://www.arthritis-india.com/
The key to management is early diagnosis. Don’t overlook any type of joint pain. Lifestyle modifications, a balanced diet, medications, surgery, exercise, and therapies all help in making life easier with arthritis. Buying medicines is now simpler. With Medkart, you get the best prices and doorstep delivery. Visit Medkart today.
FAQs related Arthritis
1. I have joint pain; does this mean I have arthritis?
Ans: Most cases of joint pain and stiffness are caused by one of the different types of arthritis. However, joint pain can occur owing to many other causes. Injury to the joint is the most common.
2. How do I proceed if I believe I have arthritis?
Ans: If you have any symptoms of arthritis, such as pain, stiffness, or swelling in or around one or more of your joints, consult your doctor immediately.
3. How does exercise help with arthritis?
Ans: Exercise helps mobilize the joints and keep them supple, thus reducing swelling. Consult your doctor before starting.
4. Can I prevent arthritis?
Ans: Although if you cannot stop arthritis from developing, lifestyle modifications can lower the risk
5. What can happen if I don’t take early treatment for arthritis?
Ans: If left untreated, it can result in serious and frequently irreversible damage to your joints, as well as to your skin, organs, and other parts of your body
