Arthritis Care

Best Arthritis Care & Treatment in MRC Nagar, Chennai

Arthritis is swelling or inflammation of one or more joints, some of the common symptoms being pain in joints and stiffness which would increase with age. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common types of arthritis. These are commonly observed in patients above the age of 65 years, but can also develop among children, teens and young adults.

To seek treatment, consult an orthopedic doctor near you or visit an orthopedic hospital near you.

What are the different types of arthritis?

• Ankylosing spondylitis - This causes small bones in your spine to fuse making it less flexible
• Gout - Gout causes sudden, severe attack of pain, swelling, tenderness and redness in one or more joints
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - It is common among children below the age of 16 years. This causes persistent swelling, stiffness and joint pain 
• Osteoarthritis - It affects the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones which wear out with time
• Psoriatic arthritis - It occurs in people who suffer from psoriasis, people usually suffer from stiffness, joint pain and swelling
• Reactive arthritis - It leads to joint pain and swelling in joints, which is triggered by an infection in some other part of the body
• Rheumatoid arthritis - It is a chronic inflammatory disorder 
• Septic arthritis - It is a painful infection in the joints that is caused due to germs that move from another part of the body
• Thumb arthritis - It causes swelling, lack of motion, severe pain and decreased strength in thumbs while performing regular activities such as turning door knobs, opening jars, and so on

What are the symptoms that lead to arthritis?

The most common symptom of arthritis involves pain in joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms of arthritis would include:

• Stiffness
• Redness
• Swelling
• Decreased motion

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is usually caused due to reduction in the amount of cartilage tissues. Cartilage is a flexible tissue that protects the joints by absorbing the pressure or shock which is created when we put the stress on the joints. Thus, a reduction in this tissue causes some types of arthritis. Additionally, normal wear and tear of the bones also cause arthritis.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis; a persistent pain would affect your routine. Thus, to get relief from the pain, you should immediately reach out to a healthcare professional and plan for arthritis care.

Request an Appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the risk factors associated with arthritis?

The risk factors of arthritis are:

• Family history - If any of your family members, i.e. parents or siblings, is suffering from arthritis, you are likely to suffer from arthritis as well
• Sex - Women are more prone to arthritis
• Age - People above the age of 65 years are more prone to arthritis
• Obesity - Excess weight puts a stress on joints; overweight people are at a higher risk of developing arthritis
• Previous joint injury - People with sports injuries are likely to develop arthritis in the injured joints

What are the complications of arthritis?

Severe arthritis affects your regular movements, specifically that of the hands and arms. In some of the arthritis cases, the joints can become twisted or deformed.

How can we prevent arthritis?

• Stay healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid injuries
• Control your blood sugar levels
• Quit smoking

How can we treat arthritis?

Treatment of arthritis focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Depending on the condition, a healthcare professional would suggest different treatments for arthritis. The choice of treatment would depend on the condition and type of arthritis. Some of the options are:

• Medications - Medications such as painkillers, counterirritants, biologic response modifiers, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are suggested by healthcare professionals depending on the type of arthritis.
• Therapy - Physical therapy is one of the treatment options for some types of arthritis as it helps improve mobility and strengthen the muscles of joints.
• Surgery - If the measures mentioned above do not help you get relief from pain, then your doctor would suggest surgery such as joint repair, joint replacement or joint fusion. 

Conclusion

Arthritis is a medical condition which causes pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility in the joints. Symptoms of arthritis are mild to severe and these may get worse with time. Thus, proper arthritis care would help reduce the risk and pain of arthritis.