Arthritis: Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treatment & More
Overview
Joints inside our bodies are the areas in which two or more bones meet. Most of them permit the bones to move. A joint consists of cartilage, ligaments, synovial membrane, bursae, tendons, synovial fluid, and meniscus. There is a presence of different joints inside our body like ball-and-socket joints, hinge joints, pivot joints, and ellipsoidal joints. The health of our joint proves to be one of the important aspects for the well-being of life. Sometimes, due to some conditions, there can be an adverse impact on joint health. Here, we’re indicating towards one of the most dreadful illnesses regarding joint, i.e., arthritis.
In this section, you will get to know about different things related to arthritis. Firstly, let’s begin by knowing what it stands for.
What Is Arthritis?
It refers to a joint inflammation disease that can affect a single or multiple joints. There can be a presence of tenderness and swelling in one or manifold joints due to arthritis. It is a common disorder and a lot of people all over the world suffer from this illness. During arthritis, a person experiences pain and inflammation that creates trouble in moving or staying active. You can identify more than 100 types of arthritis. However this ailment generally affects older people, but it can affect children as well as younger ones. If you suffer from joint pain that doesn’t resolve after some days, it is better to see a doctor. In such cases, you can move towards Mewar Hospitals that has the presence of some finest orthopedic surgeons.
Causes of Arthritis
It is difficult to describe which condition has caused arthritis. A lot of factors are there to develop the chance of each kind of arthritis. Sometimes, the problem of arthritis can be due to the genes which the person inherited from his parents or grandparents. Another cause of arthritis can be identified as a reduction in cartilage. Our cartilage proves to be a flexible connective tissue that works like a cushion. It safeguards the joints by absorbing the shock and pressure when a movement or stress takes place. There can be a breakdown of cartilage due to osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common types of arthritis. You will get to know about osteoarthritis and some other kinds of arthritis in the below section.
Types of Arthritis
1. Osteoarthritis
This kind of arthritis has affected millions of people all around the globe. During osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down, causing the bones within the joint to rub together. The problem of osteoarthritis can be due to heredity, obesity, injury, poor posture, or joint overuse. This condition is supposed to be threatening to our joints and may harm any joint. But, it most commonly affects the joints of the knee, spine, hips, and hands. Regarding its symptoms, they can develop slowly and deteriorate over time. One of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis is joint pain. Some other symptoms include stiffness, tenderness, bone spurs, swelling, loss of flexibility, and grating sensation.
When osteoarthritis becomes advanced, there can be intense pain. Sometimes, a person finds it difficult to handle such kind of pain even after taking help from non-surgical methods. Osteoarthritis is regarded as one of the most common reasons for getting a joint replacement surgery. To diagnose this condition, the doctor will take help from some tests like an X-ray or MRI. Remember, if osteoarthritis is diagnosed early, a person may save himself from several future problems. That’s why; if you feel pain in the joint that doesn’t resolve after some days, consider visiting an orthopedic surgeon. For that, you can visit Mewar Hospitals where some fine professionals deal with such cases.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
This autoimmune disorder is one of the renowned types of arthritis after osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis contributes to creating joint pain and damage throughout the body. One noticeable thing to know about rheumatoid arthritis is that it generally occurs on both sides of the body. Meaning that if someone’s joint is affected in one of his legs or arms, there will be an effect on the same joint in the other leg or arm. RA stands as a chronic inflammatory disorder whose presence can damage multiple body systems. In around 40% of cases of RA, the signs and symptoms don’t involve the joints. In fact, it can affect many non-joint structures. For example, the eyes, blood vessels, heart, lungs, nerve tissue, bone marrow, salivary glands, and skin.
This condition takes place when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own body’s tissues. Some symptoms following rheumatoid arthritis include tender, warm, and swollen joints. Sometimes, there can be an occurrence of fatigue, fever, or loss of appetite. Even a person can endure joint stiffness that worsens in the mornings and after immobility. Women are more likely to face this kind of arthritis as compared to men. Additionally, those who are obese, those who smoke, or having a family history of rheumatoid arthritis may have an increased risk of facing it. That’s why; you need to be attentive and must consult an experienced surgeon if something feels wrong.
3. Gout
This form of arthritis is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the bloodstream. It can affect people of any age and is characterized by sudden and severe attacks of pain. A person can experience the attack of gout all of a sudden. Sometimes, the affected joint can disturb in such a way that it becomes hard to bear the weight of a bedsheet. If it is left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to the joint or kidney problems. One of the greatest risk factors for gout is high blood pressure. Some other risk factors include hypertension, obesity, some meals and beverages that increase the levels of uric acid. Even it is more common after trauma, surgery, or dehydration.
A person can identify joint swelling, joint redness, heat in the affected part, and unexpected onset of joint pain as one of the major symptoms of gout. Such symptoms generally affect a single joint. Many cases of gout can be treated with the help of specific medications.
4. Ankylosing Spondylitis
It is regarded as one of the rare kinds of arthritis that encourage pain and stiffness in the spine. The term ‘ankylosis’ refers to fused bones or other hard tissue. On the other side, ‘spondylitis’ denotes inflammation in the vertebrae or spinal bones. Over time, this inflammatory disease can fuse some of the smaller bones of the spine. If it happens, the spine will be less flexible and there can be a hunched-forward posture. Additionally, ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to pain and inflammation throughout the body including the eyes and heart valve. Some people may also endure different types of cancers during AS.
In medical science, there’s no cure for this type of arthritis. Still, with the help of medications and exercise, a person can obtain pain relief and keep his back strong.
5. Septic Arthritis
This condition refers to a painful infection in a joint that is usually caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus. The infection can appear from germs that go through the bloodstream from another part of the body. In short, you can identify septic arthritis as an inflammation of the joint that happens due to infection. Generally, it can affect major joints like the knee or hip. In few cases, it may also affect multiple joints. Regarding the symptoms of septic arthritis, there can be an occurrence of fever, joint pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, and warmth.
6. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
You can link this type of arthritis with children since it affects children aging fewer than 16. Formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, it can cause swelling, stiffness, and constant joint pain. The symptoms can last for some months to even years. This condition occurs when the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues. This kind of arthritis can lead to serious complications inside a child. Like, problems related to eye, growth, and bone development may arise. That’s why; parents must keep a careful eye on their child’s condition. If they identify the symptoms mentioned above, it will be better to seek medical attention soon. So, it may prove worthy in reducing the risk of such complications.
Symptoms of Arthritis
As you’re now aware of different forms of arthritis, remember that different types of arthritis have different symptoms. They can range from mild to severe according to the situation. Still, there are some common symptoms of arthritis that you can notice in common cases. For example,
* Joint Pain
* Swelling
* Redness
* Warmth
* Tenderness
* Stiffness
* Decreased range of motion
Diagnosis of Arthritis
If you think there is a presence of arthritis, you can consider visiting a healthcare provider. One of the best options that you can prefer in such cases is visiting Mewar Hospitals. To diagnose the existence of arthritis, there can be a usage of a physical exam.
It can be done for several reasons. Like,
* To review the mobility and range of motion in the joints.
* To inspect the portions of swelling or tenderness around the joints.
* To check for fluid around the joints.
* For evaluating the overall health to verify if some other condition is causing the symptoms.
Extracting and examining the level of inflammation in the blood and joint fluids may help the doctor to identify which kind of arthritis a person is facing. To obtain a clear picture of the joints, bones, and soft tissues, they can take help from imaging exams. In cases of diagnosing arthritis, X-Ray, MRI, or ultrasound commonly comes in charge. They assist to inform if there is a presence of other problems. For example, bone fractures, dislocations, breakdown of cartilage, soft tissue inflammation, or ligament, muscle, or tendon injuries near the joints.
Treatment of Arthritis
One bitter truth about arthritis is that there’s no availability of methods that can cure it permanently. However, the treatment of arthritis focuses on reducing the pain, symptoms, and avoiding additional damage to the joints. A lot of options are available to provide relief from arthritis pain. Like, there is an option of several medications. In cases, of arthritis, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, menthol creams, or immunosuppressant can come under use.
Next, there is an option of physical therapy for the treatment of arthritis. Such therapies usually include exercises that are beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the affected joint. Even if such options don’t work in favor of the patient, one last option that comes to mind is surgery. Joint replacement surgeries are commonly performed to replace damaged hip and knee joints. Sometimes, the doctor may supervise a joint fusion surgery if arthritis is more severe in the wrist or fingers. That surgery will lock the ends of the bones together until they cure and become one.
Natural Remedies For Arthritis
Some natural measures are there to look at in case of arthritis.
* Firstly, try to eat a healthy and balanced diet as they can help to lessen down inflammation. Things that are good for our joint health include fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and seeds.
* Next, make a habit to exercise daily. Try to remain physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Remember, being obese can lead to several problems including arthritis. You can get in touch with some physical activities like walking, swimming, and cycling to stay fit.
* Also, try to quit some activities like smoking or drinking alcohol as they can also generate negative effects on the body.
Mewar Hospital -Your Supportive Partner
Whenever you feel something wrong with the health of your joints, make sure to seek medical treatment. Don’t make a delay especially in the case of arthritis; otherwise, it may lead to further problems. Our team is here to co-operate in such cases and we’ll try to bring relief with the available measures. So, if you experience the symptoms of arthritis, make sure to remember us in such conditions. If you have any queries, please inform us.
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