Orthopedics - Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints. The inflamed parts of a joint can include bones, cartilage and other connective tissues surrounding the joint. 

Arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions that require proper treatment. The knee joint gets primarily affected. Women and people suffering from obesity are more prone to developing arthritis. Arthritis is highly prevalent among people aged over 65 years. But the condition can also affect kids and young adults.

To know more, consult an orthopedic doctor near you. Or visit an ortho hospital in Kanpur.

What are the types of arthritis?

There are about a hundred types of arthritis. However, the two most common types of arthritis include:

Osteoarthritis (OA) - This is a degenerative disease of the joint that majorly affects the cartilage that cushions the joint. In osteoarthritis, you may feel stiffness, pain, and soreness in the joint due to degeneration/breakdown of tissues. Usually, osteoarthritis affects the joints in your spine, hand, hip, and base of the thumb. 

Rheumatic Arthritis (RA) - This condition develops when the immune system of the body attacks the soft tissue of the joint called synovium. Synovium produces the fluid that nourishes and lubricates the joint. This results in the inflammation and degeneration of the joint. Hence, it is considered an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Constant inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage and other connective tissues cause pain, redness, and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and leads to the soreness of the joint and tiredness.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

• Joint pain
• Swelling and stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Reddened skin around the joint 
• Fatigue and weakness

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may also experience other symptoms like:

• Skin rashes
• Difficulty in breathing
• Hearing problems due to damage to the ear bones

What causes arthritis?

One of the most common causes of arthritis is the wear and tear of the cartilage and other connective tissues of a joint. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and thus, when it degenerates, the chances of inflammation increase. Furthermore, an injury or infection (bacterial/viral) of the joint(s) can also cause arthritis. 

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you identify most of the aforementioned symptoms, medical consultation is necessary. Timely consultation with an orthopedic surgeon is highly important to determine the extent of the damage. Only a specialist can run thorough diagnostics and confirm the type of arthritis you may be suffering from.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Call 18605002244 to book an appointment.

How is arthritis treated?

The best-suited treatment depends upon the type and severity of arthritis.

For mild cases of arthritis, orthopedic doctors near you can prescribe oral medications and physical therapy. Medications include analgesics (pain-reliever), NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and immunosuppressants that make the inflammation subside.

Surgery becomes necessary where the damage to the soft and hard tissues of the joint is severe. Surgical treatment for arthritis is mostly performed for knee and hip joints. In the procedure, the damaged part(s) of the joint is replaced by a safe artificial implant(s). Doctors also recommend following a proper course of physical therapy post-surgery to regain the mobility of the joint.

Conclusion

It is crucial to keep an eye on any unusual symptoms related to joint mobility. It can be really difficult to live with persistent pain and swelling of joints. Even simple tasks can feel scary. Seek medical consultation and lead a healthy lifestyle.