Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation to 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 result 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.

Risk factors of Arthritis

Family history and genetics:certain inherited genes and history autoimmune disorder can increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritisand 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. Osteoarthritisis 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.

What Causes Arthritis?

The cause of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis. The exact cause of many 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;

• Autoimmune disorder
• Obesity
• Injuries to the joints
• Muscle weakness

Types of Arthritis

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 & Symptoms of

Signs and symptoms of arthritis may vary and depends on the type, but the joints are involved in most symptoms. Common ones include;

• Joint pain
• Joint Swelling
• Redness
• Joint Stiffness
• Tenderness and sensitivity around the joints
• Decreased range of motion
• Skin discoloration

Diagnostic investigations & test

• History taking
• Physical examination
• Laboratory investigations – blood tests to check for specific types of antibodies like anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear antibody (ANA)
• A sample of fluid taken from a joint (synovial fluid)
• Imaging studies such as X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI or CT Scan

Arthritis Treatment

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.

• Analgesics for managing pain, such as hydrocodone (Vicodin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for managing pain and inflammations. NSAIDS includes ibuprofen (Advil) and salicylates. Salicylates can thin blood and are used with caution. Salicylates cannot be used with additional blood thinning medications.
• Steroids such as prednisone to reduce inflammations
• Immunosuppressants for moderate to severe inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis
• Menthol or capsaicin creams to block the transmission of pain signals from the joints.
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Diet management - nutrient-rich diet
• Exercise physiotherapy
• Weight management
• Heat and cold compresses
• Mobility assistance devices, such as canes, crotches or walkers

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

Preventions of Arthritis

Some risk factors such as family history, genetics and autoimmune arthritis is not always preventable; however, you can reduce your risk for developing other risks for arthritis.

• Exercise to lose weight
• Wearing a protective equipment to prevent damage to your joints during activities
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Eating a well balance diet