Arthritis encompasses over 100 joint disorders, including common types like Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. Though challenging, Arthritis is easy to manage effectively with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, as suggested by Orthopaedics, allowing individuals to maintain an active life.
Arthritis is a very common condition that affects a large population of people across the globe. It is resulting in pain and stiffness of the joints as well as restricted mobility. Despite the fact that arthritis is a disease that is associated with older adults, it can affect anyone, including children. So, it is crucial to know how arthritis can be managed to have a good quality of life. In this blog, we will talk about various types of arthritis, practical strategies to manage it, and ways to reduce the impact of this condition on daily life.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is characterized by inflammation, swelling, pain, stiffness, and limited movement of the affected joints. The symptoms are usually progressive, which implies that they may develop over time or manifest suddenly and worsen over time. Certain types of arthritis can also cause permanent joint damage. Therefore, proper care and early detection are crucial in preventing and slowing down the process.
For specialized care in managing arthritis, consult Dr. Saurabh Jain, the best orthopaedic doctor in Lucknow.
Types of Arthritis
Understanding the different types of arthritis is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent arthritis and is referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis. It is a condition that develops when the cartilage found at the ends of the bones in the joints wears out over time.
- Common Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility in the joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, mainly the joints. This results in inflammation and, in the long run, the wearing out of cartilage and joint damage.
- Common Symptoms: Joint pains, erythema, warmth in the joint areas, fatigue, and fever.
- Gout: This is a form of arthritis that leads to periodic attacks of acute inflammation of joints, which are often very painful, red, and sensitive, especially in the joint of the toe. It occurs when there is a formation of urate crystals in the joint, which results in inflammation and severe pain.
- Common Symptoms: Moderate to severe joint pain, inflammation, discomfort, and stiffness of the joint.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis, but common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling around the affected joints.
- Limited ability to move the joint through its full range of motion.
- Joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
Diagnosis Options for Arthritis
Diagnosing arthritis typically involves a combination of the following:
- Physical Examination: The doctor will check for swelling, redness, and warmth in the joints and the range of motion of the affected joints.
- Imaging Tests: X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound are some of the radiographic examinations that can be used to get clear images of the joints to diagnose the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests can also reveal some markers of inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
Treatment Options for Arthritis
Treatment plans are often tailored by an orthopedic, depending on the specific type of arthritis and the severity of the condition.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: An Orthopaedic doctor can recommend an exercise plan to strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, the doctor may recommend joint repair, joint replacement, or joint fusion.
- Lifestyle Changes: Obesity, inactivity, and poor nutrition can worsen the symptoms of arthritis symptoms and its progression, so these should be avoided.
Managing Arthritis at Home
Below are a few tips to help you manage arthritis at home:
- Exercise Regularly: Engage in low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity or being overweight puts pressure on the joints that bear the body weight such as the knee and the hip joints. Keeping a healthy weight helps with stress relief and prevents further joint damage.
- Use Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying a heat pack is good for stiff joints. Cold therapy also has an anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effect, which is useful in the management of acute pain.
- Anti-inflammatory Foods: Omega-3 fatty acids foods such as fish, flaxseed, and walnuts help reduce inflammation and are useful in reducing joint pains and stiffness. Food (fruits and vegetables) that are rich sources of antioxidants are beneficial in the reduction of inflammation. It is vital for the improvement of the body’s health.
- Foods to Avoid: Junk foods have trans fats and refined sugars and are known to cause inflammation in the body. Alcohol and tobacco also lead to arthritis and aggravate the conditions of the patients.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Consult an orthopedic doctor if:
- Persistent Symptoms: If you have chronic joint pain, inflammation, or stiffness that does not go away with the help of over-the-counter drugs and other remedies.
- Difficulty Performing Daily Activities: If arthritis symptoms are interfering with your ability to move or causing pain when walking, dressing, or going up and down the stairs.
- Signs of Infection: If the joint is red, swollen, and warm to the touch, and you also have a fever.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a condition that can be controlled through medication, changes in lifestyle, and in some cases surgery. If you are experiencing joint pains or any other arthritis symptoms, it is advisable to seek the services of an Orthopaedic doctor without any hesitation. Their early intervention can possibly make a significant difference in managing the condition. For expert care in managing arthritis, book an appointment, through Apollo, with Dr Saurabh Jain, the best orthopaedic doctor in Lucknow.