All You Need To Know About Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. You might have heard terms like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, but what do they really mean? We will discuss this in this article

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term that describes over 100 different conditions affecting the joints. The word “arthritis” literally means joint inflammation, which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common types of arthritis:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis, often shortened to RA, is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, especially the joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling, primarily in the hands, feet, and knees. RA can also affect other parts of the body, causing symptoms like fatigue and fever.

• Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common type of arthritis. It’s often referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis because it happens when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can lead to painful joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and hands. OA is often more common in older adults than young people.

• Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. This form of arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It often affects the fingers and toes, leading to sausage-like swelling.

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, is the most common type of arthritis in children. It causes persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Unlike adult arthritis, JIA can affect children's growth and development.

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• Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes inflammation of the vertebrae, leading to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In severe cases, it can cause the bones of the spine to fuse together.

• Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis, or simply gout, is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in the joints. It often affects the big toe but can occur in other joints as well. Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, which forms crystals in the joints.

• Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is a painful infection in a joint. The infection can come from germs that travel through your bloodstream from another part of your body. It often affects the knees, but can also target hips, shoulders, and other joints.

• Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, typically the intestines, genitals, or urinary tract. It causes inflammation of the joints, eyes, and urinary tract.

• Polyarthritis

Polyarthritis refers to arthritis that affects five or more joints. It can be a part of several different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis can show up in many different ways, but the most common symptom is joint pain. Whether it's a dull ache or sharp pain, arthritis can make one unable to perform everyday tasks. Let's explore some of the typical symptoms you might experience:

General Arthritis Symptoms

• Painful Joints: Almost everyone with arthritis will feel pain in their joints. This pain can vary from mild to severe and may be constant or come and go.
• Joints Aching: Along with pain, joints often feel achy and sore, especially after movement.
• Joint Inflammation: Swelling in the joints is common. This inflammation can make the joints look bigger and feel warm to the touch.
• Stiff Joints: Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting, is a classic sign of arthritis. It can make it hard to move the joints freely.
• Joint Stiffness in Fingers: Finger joints can become particularly stiff, making it challenging to perform tasks that require fine motor skills.

Specific Symptoms of Different Types of Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: RA often causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the small joints of the hands and feet. Symptoms are usually symmetrical, meaning they affect both sides of the body equally. Other symptoms can include fatigue and fever.
• Osteoarthritis Symptoms: OA typically affects the knees, hips, and hands. Symptoms include joint pain that worsens with activity, stiffness after rest, and a grating sensation in the joint.
• Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms: This type of arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in the fingers and toes. It often comes with skin symptoms like red, scaly patches.
• Gouty Arthritis Symptoms: Gout causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, often in the big toe. The affected joint may become red, swollen, and extremely tender.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Symptoms: Children with JIA may experience persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can also cause growth problems and eye inflammation.
• Septic Arthritis Symptoms: Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint, often accompanied by fever and chills.
• Symptoms of Arthritis in Hands: This can include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the finger joints, making it difficult to grip or hold objects.
• Foot Arthritis Symptoms: Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet, making walking uncomfortable.

Early Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Early signs of RA include tenderness and swelling in the small joints of the hands and feet, morning stiffness that lasts for hours, and fatigue.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Specific Areas

• Arthritis in the Knee Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee are common, often making it hard to bend or straighten the knee.
• Arthritis in the Hands: Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the finger joints. The joints may also feel warm and tender.

Causes and Risk Factors

General Causes of Arthritis

• Cause of Joint Pain: Joint pain in arthritis is often caused by inflammation, damage to the joint, or wear and tear on the cartilage.
• Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis: The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors play a role.
• Cause of Osteoarthritis: OA is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones. This can happen due to aging, repetitive joint use, or injury.
• Cause of Arthritis in the Knee: Knee arthritis can be caused by wear and tear (OA), autoimmune reactions (RA), or injuries that damage the cartilage or joint.

Specific Risk Factors for Different Types of Arthritis

• Genetics: Some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, can run in families. If your parents or siblings have arthritis, you might be at a higher risk.
• Age: The risk of most types of arthritis increases with age. Osteoarthritis, in particular, is more common in older adults.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, while men are more prone to gouty arthritis.
• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing arthritis. For example, being overweight puts extra stress on your joints, particularly your knees and hips. Smoking is another risk factor, especially for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Other Medical Conditions: Conditions like psoriasis can lead to psoriatic arthritis, and infections can cause septic arthritis.

Causes of Specific Types of Arthritis

• Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriasis is a skin condition that can lead to psoriatic arthritis. The immune system attacks not only the skin but also the joints.
• Gout Cause: Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, which forms crystals in the joints, leading to severe pain and swelling.
• Septic Arthritis: This type of arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection in the joint. The infection can come from an injury, surgery, or spread from another part of the body. 

Diagnosis Of Arthritis

Arthritis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. Blood tests can show markers of inflammation and specific antibodies related to RA.

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Natural Remedies for Arthritis

Some people find relief using natural remedies like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids. These can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Herbal remedies such as boswellia, devil's claw, and willow bark are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Conventional Treatments

• RA Treatment: Treatments for RA include medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs, and biologics. These help reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
• Osteoarthritis Therapies: OA treatments include pain relief medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to replace damaged joints.
• OA Treatment: Pain relievers like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections are common. Hyaluronic acid injections can also provide relief.
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: Treatment includes medications to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
• Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment: Treatments include NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biologics to control inflammation and prevent joint damage.
• Treatment for Joint Pain: Pain relief options include over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and topical creams.
• Treatment for Joint Pain and Stiffness: Regular exercise, weight management, and medications can help. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery might be necessary.
• Anti Rheumatic Treatments: These treatments, including DMARDs and biologics, help reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage in RA.

Conclusion

Living with arthritis means finding the right balance of treatments and lifestyle changes that work for you. Stay informed about the latest advancements and research, and don't be afraid to seek support from healthcare professionals, you can book a free consultation with Pharmacist on Pharmarun here.

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