Arthritis is a widespread condition that affects millions of people globally. The fact that it is a catch-all phrase for more than 100 different varieties of joint stiffness and inflammation makes it essential to comprehend the distinctive signs and traits of each type. Finding the type of arthritis will help you find the best treatment strategy for relief, whether you experience only sharp pain occasionally in your joints or persistent discomfort.
In this blog post, we'll look at the various forms and signs of arthritis so you can learn more about this common condition that can strike anyone at any age.
Different Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis. It is a degenerative condition that deteriorates the cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Although there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, there are numerous therapies that can be used to treat it. The symptoms of arthritis can be managed with the help of weight loss, exercise, and painkillers, however, the treatment aims to reduce pain and enhance quality of life.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Joint inflammation is brought on by the chronic inflammatory illness known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Joint pain, stiffness, and edema are the main symptoms of RA whereas fatigue, a lack of appetite, and weight loss are further symptoms.
Although there is no known cure for RA, medication can help manage the disease's symptoms and stop future joint destruction.
Psoriatic Arthritis
People who have psoriasis may experience psoriatic arthritis, a kind of inflammatory arthritis. It causes thick, red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Joint pain, stiffness, and edema are frequent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
While there is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis, anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological agents, and physical therapy are all available treatments.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the big toe. It is brought on by the body's uric acid buildup, which can happen as a result of a diet high in purines or certain medical disorders.
Gout symptoms include abrupt, intense joint pain, edoema, redness, and warmth. The goal of treatment is to lessen uric acid levels in the body and ease arthritic symptoms.
What Are the Causes of Arthritis?
There are numerous possible causes of arthritis, in some cases, it could be brought on by an autoimmune condition or a genetic predisposition.
In other instances, it might result from an illness or injury or just be the effect of ageing or joint strain.
Whatever the underlying cause, arthritis can have a severe negative influence on your quality of life.
Symptoms of Arthritis
- Intense discomfort
- Difficulty in dressing, combing your hair, holding objects, bending over, squatting, or climbing stairs
- Stiff joints in the morning that usually passes after less than 30 minutes
- Swollen joints
Diagnosing Arthritis
Your doctor may inquire about your health history and current symptoms to determine whether you have arthritis. He or she may also prescribe tests to check for inflammation, joint damage, or bone abnormalities.
Blood Tests: Blood tests can reveal indicators of inflammation, such as a rise in white blood cell counts.
X-rays: Imaging tests like X-rays can show bone and joint changes brought on by arthritis as well as damage to the joints.
Joint Fluid Analysis: This test scans the joint fluid for crystals or other materials that may point to specific forms of arthritis.
MRI and Ultrasound: These imaging tests can help in the identification of cartilage, joint, and tissue damage.
Also Read – Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Diet
Treatment of Arthritis
The kind and severity of the arthritic condition determine the course of treatment. Each kind of arthritis has unique therapies. The most typical form of treatment for arthritis is medication. There are numerous drugs that can be used to reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation. But there are also some basic therapies that can help control symptoms and enhance the quality of life. These include:
- Self-care methods include stress reduction and joint protection tactics
- Regular exercise to maintain joint flexibility and strength
- Weight management to lessen stress on the joints
- Heat or cold therapy for pain relief
When other therapies fail to provide sustainable solutions, surgery can be used as an alternate treatment.
At last, it's critical to comprehend the various forms and symptoms of arthritis in order to receive a proper diagnosis and choose the best course of action. Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may have any form of arthritis.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
