Best Arthritis Care Treatment in Koramangala, Bangalore
Arthritis is defined as swelling or tenderness of joints. It usually causes stiffness, which gets worse with age.
To find effective treatment, you can search online for a general medicine hospital near me or a general medicine doctor near me.
What do we need to know about arthritis and arthritis care?
There are multiple types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Treatment options or arthritis care vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually, the end goal is always to improve the quality of life and reduce symptoms.
What are the different types of arthritis?
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Septic arthritis
- Gout
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Thumb arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
What are the usual symptoms of arthritis?
They include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion of the joint
- Stiffness in the joints
What are the causes of arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and it is usually caused by damage to the cartilage. The cartilage allows frictionless motion, but when there is damage to the cartilage because of wear and tear over the years, it can injure the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the body's immune system decides to attack the joint capsule. The joint capsule basically encloses all the parts of a joint. Rheumatoid arthritis eventually destroys the cartilage and the bone that is present within the joint.
When do you need to see a doctor?
When you have arthritis symptoms and need proper care, visit a doctor.
Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Koramangala, Bangalore.
Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.
What are the treatment options for arthritis?
The treatment of arthritis usually focuses on removing the symptoms and increasing joint function and flexibility.
- It may include medications such as pain killers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and biological response modifiers.
- In some patients, physical therapy is also advised and it can increase the range of motion of the joint.
- In some patients, braces or splints are usually given to improve the mobility of the joint.
- In some situations, when the methods mentioned above do not work, your doctor may suggest surgery.
- It can include joint repair or joint replacement surgery.
Are lifestyle remedies or other methods part of arthritis care?
Symptoms of arthritis can be reduced or removed by following some basic lifestyle changes:
- Weight loss - If you are considered overweight or have a high body mass index, then it may cause a lot of distress to your joints. It reduces mobility of the joints. Hence, reducing weight is important, you should consult with your health care provider regarding the same.
- Exercise - Regular physical activity helps in keeping the joints flexible. High-intensity interval workouts and aerobics are proven to increase the weight-bearing capacity of the joints as well as the flexibility of joints.
- Assistant devices - Devices like canes, walkers and shoe inserts can help you in performing daily tasks and can provide extra support for your joints
- Heat and cold - Applying heating or ice packs may help in relieving the pain that is caused in the joints due to arthritis.
- Acupuncture - It is basically an alternate remedy for arthritis that uses fine needles inserted at specific positions to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Massaging - Stroking or light kneading can increase the blood flow in the area. This causes temporary relief from pain and swelling in the affected joint. It is important to inform the masseur beforehand which joint is affected.
- Yoga - In certain conditions, the slow and stretching movements that are associated with yoga increase joint flexibility in multiple people.
What are some common medications that are prescribed as part of arthritis care?
The medications that are generally prescribed are:
- Painkillers
- NSAIDS/ Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Biological response modifiers
Note: There are multiple medications that are prescribed, ranging from steroids to painkillers. It is important to understand that these medications should always be taken with a proper prescription, under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Mismanagement or overdosing of steroids is extremely dangerous. You should consult with your healthcare provider, whenever in doubt.
You can consult a general medicine doctor in Bangalore.
Conclusion
Proper arthritis care can help you manage the condition. Please consult a doctor before taking any medicine and strictly follow his or her advice regarding all aspects of treatment.
During a normal physical examination, your doctor will check the joint for swelling, redness and stiffness. Following the physical examination, your healthcare provider will order multiple tests to confirm the type of arthritis that is suspected.
There are multiple tests that a healthcare provider may prescribe.These tests may include:
- X-ray
- Computerized tomography or CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI
- Ultrasound
The joints may become deformed or non-functional in some cases.