Arthritis Care

Best Arthritis Care Treatment & Diagnostics in Tardeo, Mumbai

Introduction

You might have seen older adults around you suffering from stiffness and pain in the joints. This swelling and tenderness in the joints resulting in pain and stiffness is called arthritis. Common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can occur due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the body or due to an auto-immune disease. The treatment of different types of arthritis varies, but the goal is to reduce the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Since arthritis affects the joints, the most common symptoms are:

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

Causes of 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, the joint lining undergoes inflammation. Sometimes, our body’s immune system attacks the lining of joints itself, resulting in inflammation and swelling. This destroys cartilage and eventually the bone within the joint.

When to See a Doctor?

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

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Tardeo, Mumbai. 

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Types of Arthritis

Usually, two types of arthritis are commonly found in people, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Still, there are numerous types, including:

1. Ankylosing spondylitis: It is an inflammatory disease that causes the fusion of small bones in the spine. The individual suffering from it may develop a hunched-forward as a result of the fusion.
2. Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect anyone, regardless of age, resulting from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint.
3. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: It is prevalent among children under age 16, resulting in growth problems, joint damage, and eye inflammation.
4. Osteoarthritis: It affects your 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 the intestines, genitals, and the urinary tract causing 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.

How Is Arthritis Treated?

The 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. Your doctor might suggest you undergo surgery for joint replacement, joint repair, or joint fusion in severe cases. Heating pads, ice packs, walkers, shoe inserts, and canes can protect your joints.

Risks or Complications Related to Arthritis

There are various risk factors related to arthritis like:

1. If your parents or siblings have arthritis, then there is a possibility that you might suffer from the same. 
2. With age, the risk of developing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis increases.
3. Women usually develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men suffer from gout.
4. Athletes who have already suffered an injury in their joints are more prone to arthritis.
5. Obesity increases the risks of arthritis due to stress on joints in the knee and spine due to the accumulation of fat in the body.

Conclusion

The cartilage present in our joints is responsible for the swift movement of bones in the joints. Arthritis is caused by internal factors or age in a person; 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 in your body. Resort to heat and cold therapy, a proper diet, regular exercise, and regular use of canes for relief in your joints. 

Source

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350777

https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/understanding-arthritis-treatment

https://www.ihps.com/arthritis-care-seniors/