Arthritis is a joint inflammation that causes pain, swelling and stiffness. Learn about the different types of arthritis, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and management.
Arthritis literally means "inflammation of the joints" that causes pain, swelling and stiffness. It`s usually common among the elderly especially women that the other population. Arthritis mostly affects the wrists, hip and knee. Treatment of arthritis depend on the type and presenting symptoms. Surgery may require to treat certain types of arthritis. This article provides an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation to the joints. It is a broad term for conditions that affects the joints. A joint is where two bones meet in the body such as in the knees, ankles, wrist, hip, spine, knuckles, etc. It is not a single disease, but a term for many forms of conditions that affects the joints in the body. There are over 100 types of arthritis with different causes and treatment. Some type of arthritis is a naturally occurring disease that cause the joints to wear down and tear as you age. However, certain conditions and factors also contribute to arthritis. Some type of arthritis affecting the organs may also affect the eye, skin or the heart as well which is a serious complication to take care of ASAP.Arthritis usually results in discomfort and pain that range from mild to severe and can affect people of all ages, races and sexes. Arthritis is most common among women, and in older people more than younger ones.
Arthritis is very common worldwide, with osteoarthritis the commonest. Studies suggest that around half of all adult population at some point in their lifetime will develop arthritis.
Family history and genetics: certain inherited genes and history autoimmune disorder can increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and other types
Gender and age: As you age, you’re probably at an increased risk of developing arthritis. Majority of the forms are higher in women, except for gout arthritis, which men are at higher risk than women.
Obesity: Excessive weight put pressure on the weight-bearing joints in the body, particularly, the knees, hands, hip and spine. Osteoarthritis is associated with obesity, exercising to lose weight would help you with your arthritis and also reduce your risk of developing one.
Smoking: Smoking is associated with autoimmune related arthritis. Smoking increases your risk such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The cause of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis. The exact cause of several arthritis is not fully known but genetics and lifestyle play a major role to its cause as well as metabolic conditions, wear and tear of the joint and weaken immune system. Other cause may include;
There are several types of arthritis (more than 100). However, the most common ones include
Gout: Arthritis cause by too much uric acid in the body. This causes sharp uric acid crystals to form in the joints causing intense pain, swelling and redness. It usually affects the big toes.
Osteoarthritis: This is wear and tear of the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune arthritis affecting the outer covering (synovium) of the joints, resulting pain and swelling of the affected joint
Septic arthritis: Cause by infections which travel in the bloodstream to affect the joints. The cause can be direct or indirect.
Psoriatic arthritis: This type of arthritis mainly affects individuals with psoriasis.
Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of arthritis caused by long-term inflammatory condition that affect the joints near the lower back. It mainly affects the bones, muscles and ligaments of the spine, resulting in stiffness of the joints. The joints may also fuse together.
Juvenile arthritis: This type mainly affects kids and teens younger than age 16.
Cervical spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis also called degenerative osteoarthritis. It affects the joints and neck bones, which can lead to pain and stiffness of the affected body part
Signs and symptoms of arthritis may vary and depends on the type, but the joints are involved in most symptoms. Common ones include;
The primary goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, thus the amount of pain (the most common) you’re experiencing and prevent complications to the joints. Medical treatment involves combinations of drugs and therapies to improve mobility and functions.
Medications and therapies
Surgical Treatment
In a severe case where the joints need replacement, especially the hips and knee, surgical procedure would be performed to replace the joint with an artificial one. In the fingers and wrists, joint fusion (the bones ends) may be perform to eliminate the joint and associated inflammation
Some risk factors such as family history, genetics and autoimmune arthritis are not always preventable; however, you can reduce your risk for developing other risks for arthritis.
Untreated arthritis may worsen symptoms and results in serious complications which will affect your daily activities. Some of the common complications include
Rate this page
