Arthritis Care

Best Arthritis Care & Treatment in Alwarpet, Chennai

You might have seen elderly people around you suffering from stiffness and pain in the joints. This swelling and tenderness in the joints resulting in pain is termed arthritis. Common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of different types of arthritis varies, but the goal is to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life.

What do you need to know about arthritis?

Arthritis can occur as a result of the deposition of uric acid crystals in the body or due to an auto-immune disease. An injury to the joints can lead to the breakdown of cartilage resulting in arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system of your body attacks the soft tissue in the joint that produces the fluid that nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints.  

For proper arthritis care, consult an orthopedic doctor in Chennai. Or visit any orthopedic hospital in Alwarpet.

What are the types of arthritis?

1. Ankylosing spondylitis – It is an inflammatory disease that causes the fusion of small bones in the spine. This gives a hunched-forward posture to a person.
2. Gout – Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur in a person of any age as a result of the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint.
3. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis – It is prevalent among children under the age of 16 resulting in growth problems, joint damage and eye inflammation.
4. Osteoarthritis – It affects hands, knees, hips and spine due to the wearing of protective cartilage which cushions the ends of your bones.
5. Psoriatic arthritis – It is found in patients already suffering from psoriasis (red patches of skin topped with silvery scales).
6. Reactive arthritis – It is a type of arthritis affecting intestines, genitals or urinary tract and pain in the joint.
7. Rheumatoid arthritis – It is an auto-immune, chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the lining of your joints resulting in pain and swelling.
8. Septic arthritis – This arthritis is a painful infection in a joint as a result of pathogens moving throughout the bloodstream from one part of the body to another.
9. Thumb arthritis – It is caused as a result of the wearing of cartilage from the end of the bones that form joints at the base of your thumb.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

1. Pain in the joints
2. Stiffness
3. Swelling of the limbs
4. Redness around the site of pain
5. Decrease in mobility

What causes arthritis?

Cartilage present in between the joints is responsible for the swift and frictionless motion of the bones. It also cushions the ends of the bones. When the cartilage undergoes wear and tear, this results in arthritis. Due to this wear and tear, joint lining undergoes inflammation. Sometimes, our body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints themselves resulting in inflammation and swelling. This destroys cartilage, and eventually bones.

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you observe constant swelling, redness, warmth and pain in your joints, then you must consult an orthopedic specialist near you. Depending upon the type of arthritis, the doctor will suggest that you undergo a fluid test (blood, urine, or joint fluid), X-Ray, CT scan or MRI.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Alwarpet, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment of arthritis focuses on reducing symptoms and reviving the normal functioning of the joints rather than eliminating the causes. Your doctor might suggest painkillers like an opioid to act on your nervous system to relieve pain. Other medications include counter-irritants, corticosteroids, etc. 

Other than this, exercise will improve the motion of the joints and strengthen the muscles around the joint. In severe cases, your doctor might suggest that you undergo surgery for joint replacement, joint repair or joint fusion. Heating pads, ice packs, walkers, shoe inserts and canes can protect your joints.

What are the risks?

1. Family history
2. With age, risks related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis become high
3. Women usually develop rheumatoid arthritis while men suffer from gout
4. Previous injury in the joints
5. Obesity 

Conclusion

Cartilages present in our joints are responsible for the swift movement of bones in the joints. Arthritis is caused by internal factors or age, hence, you can't control the onset of the disease. But you can take preventive measures in the early stages to avoid its spread and severity. Early diagnosis can help. You must follow the heat and cold therapy, proper diet, regular exercise and regular use of a cane to give relief to your joints.