Orthopedics - Arthritis

Arthritis is not one disease, but it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. It can affect one joint or multiple joints, causing severe joint agitation. It is a chronic condition, which means it does not go away and will likely require lifelong treatment that can happen to anyone from any walk of life.

If gone unidentified and not given proper treatment quickly, it leads to permanent, irreversible damage to our joints. Some people are genetically more likely to develop problems, while for others, certain factors interact with genes to increase their risk of arthritis further.

To better manage the condition at an early stage, one must refer to the orthopedic specialist in Bangalore who specializes in treating joint problems.

What is Arthritis?

"Arthr-" refers to joints, "-itis" means inflammation; it is a chronic disorder that mostly affects the joints but can also involve other organ systems like the skin and lungs. There are more than 200 different arthritis and related conditions that cause joint pain.

It's more than just the joints' wear and tear, and it causes your bones to rub together and make your joints inflamed with subsequent pain and even bone spur formation.

What are the Types of Arthritis?

The most common types are:

Inflammatory arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
Degenerative arthritis
Osteoarthritis arthritis
Crystal arthritis
Gout

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Symptoms of arthritis can develop suddenly or gradually. As with certain arthritis, symptoms may come and go or persist over time.

However, one must seek medical care when experiencing these key warning signs:

Joint pain increases with prolonged activity
Stiffness
Tenderness and swelling
Bone spurs
Cracking sensation
A decreased range of motion

What Causes Arthritis?

Most arthritis is linked to a combination of factors, but some have no exact cause and appear to be erratic in their advent:

Previous joint injury because of accidents
Past orthopedic operations
Obesity
Abnormal joint or limb development

When to See a Doctor?

It is common to have swelling or stiffness in your joints from time to time. It may be true if you are old and perform strenuous activities which are physically taxing. But how can you tell the difference between early signs of arthritis and normal pain?

A diagnostic test from an orthopedic doctor in Bangalore lets you start the proper treatment at the right time.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

What are the Risk Factors of Arthritis?

Certain risk factors have been associated with arthritis. Some of these factors are modifiable, while others can't.

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Genetic factors
Age
Your sex
Previous joint injury

Modifiable risk factors:

Overweight and obesity
Joint injuries
Infection
Challenging occupation

What are the Complications in Arthritis?

Sleep difficulties
Skin problems
Weakness in heart, lung damage
Numbness, tingling in your hands and feet
Difficulties in moving
Joints may become twisted and deformed

What are the Remedies for Managing Arthritis?

Oral and topical pain relievers help with the pain
Manage your weight
Get enough exercise
Use hot and cold therapy
Try acupuncture
Get a massage
A plant-based diet

What are the Treatment Options for Arthritis?

You may have to try various therapies or combinations of treatments before deciding what works best for you. Popular treatment might involve:

Medications
Non-pharmacologic therapies
Physical or occupational therapy
Splints or joints assistive aids
Patient education and support
Weight loss
Surgery, including joint replacement

Medical treatment for inflammatory types of arthritis is like a balancing act using the lowest dose of medications needed to control the disease to minimize the medications' side effects.
Your doctor may adjust your medication dose and change or add medications based on your symptoms and your laboratory tests. Medications will depend on the type of arthritis:

Analgesics
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Counterirritants
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Biologics
Corticosteroids

Conclusion

Being in pain because of arthritis can often lead to anxiety. However, it is essential to tackle these emotions carefully and look for the right treatment, support, knowledge, and approach, which let you live a fulfilling life pain-free. You must see an orthopedic doctor when you develop a new symptom or aggravate your pain week by week.

What does arthritis pain feel like?

Usually, the first symptom of arthritis is a pain in the joints. It can give a burning feeling or a dull ache. Often, pain begins when you have used the joint a lot, for example, if you are an athlete or walk huge steps in a day. Some people complain of tingling and numbness in the joints when they first wake up.

What should I not eat if I have arthritis?

Diet is closely linked to arthritis and helps manage the risk. Though specific foods, food sensitivities, or intolerances are not known to cause arthritis. But inflammatory foods, especially animal-derived foods and diets high in refined sugar, can exacerbate symptoms and provoke an immune system response.

Can arthritis go away?

Although the cure for arthritis is unknown, some medications can slow down its effects and minimize joint inflammation. It is a chronic condition, which means it does not go away and will probably require lifelong treatment. Arthritis pain can be persistent, and for many types of arthritis, like inflammatory arthritis, there is a clear benefit in starting treatment in the first stage.