By kkhealthcarecentre 
Arthritis is a condition that’s often misunderstood. It’s not just one disease but a collection of over 100 different types. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which can last for a year or worsen over time. Arthritis can lead to chronic pain and make daily activities difficult, sometimes causing permanent changes in the affected joints, like knobby finger joints, which can be seen on an X-ray.
Different Types of Arthritis
Our joints are designed to handle wear and tear, but over time, especially with activities like jogging, they can undergo degenerative changes. This wear can affect the cartilage and bones, particularly in the hips, knees, spine, and hands, making the joints less effective at absorbing shock and more prone to friction. Some people experience significant pain from these changes, while others do not.
1. Osteoarthritis: This type, also known as degenerative joint disease, often causes stiffness, discomfort, and pain, especially in weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. It can be managed with a balance of activity and rest, hot and cold therapies, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles around the joint, using assistive devices, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding repetitive movements.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease that causes persistent inflammation, particularly in the wrists, hands, and feet. It can lead to significant disability if not treated early. Symptoms include pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling, weakness, fatigue, and reduced mobility. Without treatment, RA can cause joint deformity and permanent disability.
3. Infectious Arthritis: This occurs when a bacterium, virus, or fungus infects a joint, causing inflammation. Organisms like salmonella, shigella, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C can cause this type of arthritis. Timely antibiotic treatment can often clear the infection, but sometimes the arthritis becomes chronic.
4. Metabolic Arthritis (Gout): Gout is a common cause of sudden, painful, swollen joints, often in the big toe. It’s diagnosed by finding uric acid crystals in joint fluid. Gout can lead to chronic arthritis if not treated, but medications are available to manage it. Triggers include alcohol, red meats, trauma, starvation, dehydration, chemotherapy, and certain medications.
Diagnosing Arthritis
Diagnosis usually starts with a primary care doctor who may perform physical exams, blood tests, and imaging scans. If the diagnosis is unclear or the arthritis is inflammatory, a rheumatologist may be involved. They manage ongoing treatment for inflammatory arthritis and other complex cases. Orthopedic surgeons handle joint surgeries, including replacements. Other specialists may be involved if arthritis affects other body systems.
Treating Arthritis
While there’s no cure for most types of arthritis, many conditions can be effectively managed. Treatment is personalized, balancing risks and benefits based on individual needs. Early drug therapy for inflammatory arthritis can prevent long-term joint damage.
Drugs for Arthritis
Medications fall into two categories: those that treat symptoms like pain and stiffness, and those that suppress inflammation. Painkillers like paracetamol and NSAIDs can help manage symptoms. Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatories used for short-term relief. Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biological therapies target the underlying disease and inflammation.
Physical Therapies
Doctors may recommend physical therapies like hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Surgery
Surgery might be necessary if joint damage severely impacts daily life. Joint replacements and other procedures can relieve pain and improve function. Arthroscopy, or keyhole surgery, allows for less invasive procedures.
Who Will Be Involved in Treatment?
A team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and surgeons, will be involved in managing arthritis. For more information, consult a registered hospital or healthcare provider.