Arthritis is a disease that can cause a lot of pain, so it is important that you know what to do when you suffer from this disorder. People with arthritis often suffer from joint damage which limits their range of motion in the affected area. This can be the result of too much regular exercise or over-doing it on low-impact activities. Common forms are morning stiffness, joint stiffness from too much regular exercise, or just joint pain hours after exercise. A scheduled trip to your physical therapist or occupational therapist will tell you if only a heating pad will help ease the pain, or a medical treatment such as joint replacement or joint fusion is the next step.
If you are suffering from different forms of arthritis, such as knee arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis, read on to learn more about the common types of this illness and how you can protect yourself from its effects.
Who is at risk for arthritis?
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for arthritis; as you get older, your chances of developing some form of arthritis increases. Women are also more likely to have arthritis than men. Additionally, heredity plays a role in some types of arthritis; if someone in your family has had it before, you may be at an increased risk for developing it yourself. Other risk factors that may be avoided or changed include being overweight or obese; extra weight puts additional strain on your joints and can lead to joint damage over time. Taking steps to maintain a healthy weight can help reduce your risk for developing arthritis.
Source: hopkinsmedicine.org
Symptoms
Pain and swelling of joints is one of the common symptoms of arthritis. It can affect many different parts of the body and can be difficult to control. If you have these symptoms, you should see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Some types of arthritis can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes. However, some people with rheumatoid arthritis will require surgery to repair the joint. In severe cases, the pain and swelling can make it hard to do daily activities.
Many types of arthritis are caused by a variety of factors. The inflammation that occurs can occur in the skin, the muscles, or the joint itself. Arthritis symptoms can be difficult to deal with, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can avoid most risk factors and live a full and fulfilling life.
Aside from medicinal drugs, slimming down and eating a nutritious diet, physical activity can also assist with arthritis symptoms. Begin little by little and steadily amplify the amount of exercise you do. Make sure to limber up and cool down after each workout. Training will assist you sustain a wholesome weight and bring down pressure on your joint areas.
Your GP can provide information about the symptoms of arthritis and refer you to a healthcare professional. A doctor can also prescribe analgesics and anti-inflammatories to help you manage your pain.
Diagnosis
During the physical exam, doctors will check your joints for any signs of swelling, redness or warmth. This is done to determine if there is any inflammation present in the joint that could be indicative of an underlying condition. Additionally, they will assess how well you can move your joints. This helps them to identify any issues with range of motion or mobility that could be caused by an injury or a medical condition.
The doctor may also ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history to help them make a diagnosis. They may also order tests such as X-rays, MRIs or blood tests to further evaluate the joint and rule out other possible causes of pain or discomfort. By gathering all this information, the doctor can then make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment options for you.
Source: mayoclinic.org
Imaging
Imaging tests are a valuable tool for diagnosing joint problems. X-rays are the most common imaging test used to detect issues within the joint, such as cartilage loss, bone damage, and bone spurs. X-rays can also be used to track the progression of arthritis over time, although they may not reveal early signs of the disease. Computerized tomography (CT) is another imaging test that uses x-ray technology to create detailed images of the inside of the joint. CT scans can show more detail than regular x-rays and can help diagnose complex problems such as fractures or tumors.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another type of imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments and tendons. MRI can provide information about inflammation or damage in these areas that cannot be seen on an x-ray or CT scan. Imaging tests are important tools for diagnosing joint problems and helping doctors determine the best course of treatment for their patients.
Source: mayoclinic.org
Treatment options
Arthritis is a disease that can make it hard to live your normal life. However, there are treatment options and cures for arthritis. Some of these include pain relief drugs, physical therapy with health care providers, and lifestyle changes.
The focus of arthritis treatment is to provide pain relief and improve joint mobility. It can also help to strengthen joints. This will prevent permanent damage on your weight-bearing joints, which leads to an extensive physical exam and blood tests. Which almost always leads to surgery.
Exercise
This helps to reduce joint pain and increase flexibility. This can be done by starting with low impact exercises. Other treatments include massages, acupuncture, and tai chi. These all improve the synovial fluid flow and unclogged blood vessels.
Prescription drugs
Drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. A doctor should be consulted before taking any of these medications.
Corticosteroids
These resemble the hormone cortisol, are sometimes used to relieve arthritis pain. Surgical procedures can be used to repair damaged joints. Surgery is often recommended if arthritis causes serious damage to a joint or if you have joint disease.
Injections of cortisone into a joint can also be used to ease inflammation. But there are also risks involved with these types of treatments.
Physiotherapy
This can aid in building muscles around the joints. Exercises can be helpful as well in relieving the discomfort and limiting the mobility that come with arthritic conditions.
A self-management course can teach people about the different aspects of arthritis treatment. It can also help to talk with others who have the same condition.
Research progresses so fast…Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multi-factorial degenerative disorder, which is often associated with aging and trauma. Inflammation plays an important role in OA. However, most existing drug therapies do not effectively reverse the progression of structural damage.
The good news is that research is making progress. Currently, the focus is on new low-toxicity drugs to alleviate systemic inflammation and the treatment of structural damage.
One of the most promising approaches involves the use of adenosine. This compound, a natural food supplement, has shown great promise in animal models. It is injected into joints with inflammation and is shown to halt disease progress.
Adenosine also prompted regrowth of cartilage tissue in rodents. But adenosine’s efficacy in humans remains to be seen.
Another promising approach is targeted drugs. Several types of biologics target the inflammation process, while others suppress MMPs’ activities. Some of these are self-injected, while others are infused via IV in the doctor’s office.
These new approaches are being tested in clinical trials. Unfortunately, a test drug must first be developed before its application in patients can be gauged. That’s why it’s important to identify early OA stages. Such an approach would make it possible to develop a more targeted therapy.
Although adenosine may not cure OA, its ability to slow its progress makes it a worthwhile contender. Moreover, adenosine has no known side effects.
Arthritis and children
Arthritis is a condition that is often associated with older people, but it can also affect children. Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This type of arthritis causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks. The exact cause of JIA is unknown, but the symptoms often improve as a child gets older. With proper treatment and management, children with JIA can lead a normal life.
Treatment for JIA typically includes medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to maintain joint function and mobility, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and healthy eating habits. It is important to work closely with your doctor to create an individualized treatment plan that works best for your child’s needs. Additionally, parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of JIA so they can seek medical attention if necessary. With proper care and support, children with JIA can live full lives despite their condition.
Source: nhs.uk