Orthopaedics - Arthritis

Arthritis

You may have arthritis if you suffer from chronic joint inflammation. In this condition, multiple joints that connect our bones, limbs, and ligaments swell and become inflamed as tissues surrounding the joints are affected. Arthritis is commonly observed in adults and seniors above 60 and obese or overweight people, as their joints start to suffer from degradation.

Arthritis has more than 100 types that affect individuals differently. It causes joint pain and inflammation of the tissue, which restricts movement and reduces your ability to perform daily physical activities. A range of symptoms crops up due to factors like injuries, abnormal metabolism, infections, immune system dysfunction, or even genetics. 

Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most commonly observed forms of arthritis among patients. More than 200 types of arthritis have been observed in patients, some of them being:

• Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis)
• Inflammatory arthritis (RA, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout)
• Infectious arthritis (caused by salmonella, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, etc.)
• Metabolic arthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Thumb Arthritis

What Are Some Symptoms of Arthritis?

Depending on the exact type of arthritis that the patient is suffering from, the symptoms can vary. Some of the commonly observed symptoms of arthritis are:

• Inflammation of joints
• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Redness
• Loss of range of motion
• Decreased RBC count
• Anemia
• Fever
• Back pain
• Hernia
• Osteoporosis
• Connective tissue disease
• SLE, lupus, scleroderma
• Fibromyalgia

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, often with a mild fever, morning stiffness, or joint pain, you are likely to be suffering from arthritis.

Call 1860 500 2244 to request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Alwarpet, Chennai to avail some of the best orthopedic doctors in Chennai.

What Are the Causes of Arthritis?

Depending on the exact type of arthritis, the causes may vary. Some of the common causes of arthritis are:

1. Faults in the immune system
2. Reduction in the normal amount of cartilage
3. Normal wear and tear of the bones, muscles, and joints
4. Infection or injury to the joints
5. Autoimmune attacks on the synovium (the connective tissue between joints)
6. Genetic factors
7. Obesity
8. Repetitive physical actions
9. Sports injury
10. Metabolic reaction
11. Reaction to infection
12. Smoking
13. Sedentary lifestyle

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should check for signs of arthritis. Undergoing diagnosis by consulting an experienced doctor or orthopedist is necessary for confirming whether you have arthritis since it has many types.

What Are the Treatments Available for Arthritis?

Your orthopedist will recommend appropriate treatment and medications depending on the exact type of arthritis you are suffering from. The primary aim of arthritis treatment is pain management and reduction. Medications such as analgesics, NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), menthol and capsaicin creams, or immunosuppressants are prescribed for patients suffering from arthritis. 

If the person is suffering from severe arthritic pain in their fingers, the doctor may recommend surgical procedures such as joint fusion. If the pain is experienced in the hips or knees, the orthopedist may suggest a knee replacement or hip replacement surgery. A prosthetic knee or hip replaces the existing one, which drastically improves the pain management for the patient. If you require such surgical intervention for your arthritis,

request an appointment with one of the best orthopedic doctors in Chennai at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Alwarpet

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What Are the Complications Arising from Arthritis?

With undetected or untreated arthritis, people primarily suffer from pain and decreased mobility. This further causes sleep issues, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are also major diseases that may affect those with arthritis. They may also suffer from loss of function and independence, frailty, social isolation, etc. 

Conclusion

Regardless of the exact type of arthritis that you are suffering from, you might require major lifestyle changes, to combat the symptoms and reduce the intensity of pain. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet to reduce obesity can help manage arthritic pain. Physical therapy with medications can also help manage arthritis initially.

If you require medical consultation for your arthritis, it is highly recommended that you consult an experienced doctor, surgeon, or orthopedist. At Apollo Spectra Hospitals, one of the best orthopedic hospitals in Chennai, we host a panel of highly experienced doctors, to help you treat any type of arthritis or any other type of disease that you may be suffering from.