Arthritis is a common health condition that affects the joints. It may cause pain and swelling that will make it difficult to move around and stay active. There are many types of arthritis are the each one has a different cause and shows different symptoms. Are you worried about how to Treat Arthritis ?
Arthritis is most likely to occur in people of older ages, but there are possibilities that they may occur at any age for men, women and children.
The main body part that is affected in arthritis are the joints – area where the bones meet and movement takes places.
The Condition usually includes having inflammation (swelling) or degeneration ( breakdown) of the joints.
When you are physically moving or the joints are active they may cause pain.
Arthritis is likely to be been in these areas of the body :
- Hands
- Feet
- Knees
- Hips
- Lower Back
Types of Arthititis
Arthritis is a vast term which covers more than 100 types of joints conditions. Some of the most common types of arthititis are :
1- Osteoarthritis – commonly known as wear and tear arthritis, which occurs when because of stress the cartilage of the joints are broken down. This is the most common arthritis.
2- Ankylosing Spondylitis – This is the arthritis of the lower back or precisely the Spine.
3- Gout – it is a type of disease in which hard forms or crystals of uric acid is formed in the joints.
4- Juvenile Arthritis – an immune disorders in which the tissues of the joints are attacked by the immune system. Generally found in young children below the age of 16.
5- Rheumatoid Arthritis – it is a type of disease in which the synovial membranes in your joints are under attack by the immune system.
6- Psoriatic Arthritis – it is a type which causes skin irritation and the joints are inflammated.
Arthritis is said to be the most of cause of disability in the U.S. Covering around 300,00 children and 50 million adults.
How is Arthritis Caused ?
As there are a lot of different types of arthititis there causes are also different. In case of Gout, the reason is the increase level of uric acid in the body. Although some causes of specific Arthritis is known, yet the cause for other types of arthititis is still not known. A person may develop arthritis if
- Have a family History of Arthititis
- Put a lot of stress on joints because of work or exersise.
- Viral infection or Auto Immune disease.
Risks of Arthititis
There are some Factors that may increase the chance of you getting Arthritis:
1- Age – the risk of getting Arthritis increases when you grow older.
2- Sex – Women are most likely to be a victim of arthritis.
3- Lifestyle – Smoking and Lack of exercise may risk in having arthritis.
4- Weight – extra stress is added to your joints if you are over weight, which can cause arthritis.
What are the symptoms of Arthititis ?
Different types of Arthititis poses different types of Symptoms. Symptoms may differ in person to person, some may show mild stomach while the others may show severe symptoms. Joint discomfort might come and go in variations to all.
Common symptoms include :
- Pain in bones and joints
- Redness around the area of the affected Joint.
- Stiffness in the Joint
- Swelling in the part of the body that is affected.
- Tenderness
- Warmth
How to Diagnose Arthritis ?
If you are experiencing some symptoms that you feel are related to Arthititis, you must see your Doctor. The Doctor will question you about your symptoms and will ask you your family history related to Arthititis and also will ask you about your lifestyle.
After having to know all about you, some physical tests may be conducted which includes :
1- Assessing the mobility of your joints.
2- Checking the areas where you may have tenderness and swelling around the joint.
3- Having a thorough check up to check if you are suffering from any other condition or not.
Imaging Test for Arthritis
Imaging Test can give you a clear picture of your bones, soft tissues and joints. An X-ray , MRI and Ultrasound may help you finding out
1- Bone Fractures or Any dislocation that may be reason of the pain.
2- Muscle, tendons or ligaments injuries near the joints.
3- Cartilage breakdown around the joints.
4- Soft Tissue Inflammation
Blood Test for Arthritis
There are no specific blood tests for arthritis, but if the Healthcare Provider suspects Gout or Rheumatoid Arthritis then they may suggest to under a blood uric acid test to check the level of uric acid.
How to Treat Arthritis ?
How to Treat Arthritis ?
There are not treatments for Arthritis. But yes there are treatments that can help you manage your condition.
The treatment plan entirely depends on the severity of the condition, the symptoms and lastly and most importantly your overall health.
Non Surgical Treatment :
1- Medications :- The pain you are experiencing may be relieved by some anti- inflammatory and pain medications.
There are some medicals that can target your immune systems inflammatory response, these medicine are called Biologics. A Doctor may provide you with biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
2 – Therapeutic Injections : – Pain and inflammation in the joints may be relieved by giving cortisone shots. A treatment known as Visco supplemenentaion is done to improve your knee, by injecting lubricants to help the knee joints move.
3- Physical Therapy – rehabilitation may contribute in improving strength and mobility.
Therapist may provide with tips that will help you lead your daily activities with less pain and discomfort.
When is Surgery Required for Arthritis ?
Doctors may only recommend surgery if the condition of Arthititis is very severe. These include when condition have not improved to general medications or therapies.
Surgical Options Include :
1- Fusion – Two or more bones are fused together permanently. This immobilizes the joint and reduces pain caused due to the movement.
2- Joint Replacement – A damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The surgical method preserves the joints function and movement. Joint Replacement may conducted in parts like the Knee, ankle, Hip and Shoulder.
How to Prevent Arthritis ?
You can lower the risk of developing Arthritis by :
- Stopping intake of Tabacco products.
- Doing non weight bearing exersise.
- Reducing risk of joint injuries.
- Maintain a healthy Lifestyle and Healthy Body Weight.
