ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation of the joints, which can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility. There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

  1. Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common form of arthritis, often referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. This can affect any joint but commonly occurs in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Risk factors for OA include age, genetics, joint injuries, and obesity.

  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This leads to inflammation that can eventually destroy the joint and surrounding tissues. RA commonly affects joints on both sides of the body, such as wrists, knees, and fingers.

Other types of arthritis include gout, lupus arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, among others.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling and redness
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever (in some types of arthritis)

 

Diagnosis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis.

During the physical exam, your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth. He or she may also check your reflexes and muscle strength.

Blood tests

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, also known as sed rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP) level, which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.

Imaging tests

Your doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in your joints over time. MRI and ultrasound tests can help your doctor judge the severity of the disease in your body.

Treatment:

Treatment for arthritis aims to relieve symptoms, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. Common approaches include:

  1. Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed.

  2. Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, weight management, and joint protection techniques can help manage symptoms.

  3. Physical and Occupational Therapy: These therapies can improve joint function, reduce pain, and provide strategies for daily living.

  4. Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be considered.

  5. Alternative Therapies: Some people find relief from symptoms through acupuncture, dietary supplements, and other alternative approaches, although their effectiveness varies.

It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to the specific type of arthritis and individual needs. Early intervention and management can help improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with arthritis.