Arthritis

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that typically worsens with age.

Symptoms:

Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, redness around the joints

Diagnosis:

Physical exam, blood tests (for rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP), X-rays, MRI, ultrasound

Medicine:

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs), corticosteroids

Treatment:

Medications to reduce inflammation, physical therapy, lifestyle changes (weight management, exercise), and in severe cases, surgery (joint replacement).

Prevention:

Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding joint injuries, and following a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.

Complete Details of Arthritis:

Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation of the joints, which causes pain and stiffness. It is not a single disease but rather a way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. Arthritis affects people of all ages, sexes, and races, but it is more common among women and older adults. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with the most common types being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis (OA):
   • The most common form of arthritis, usually affecting older adults.
   • Characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, the smooth, cushioning surface on the ends of bones.
   • Leads to pain, swelling, and reduced motion in the joints.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
   • An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the synovium (lining of the membranes that surround the joints).
   • Causes inflammation, leading to joint pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity.
   • Can also affect other organs in the body.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis:
   • Affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin condition.
   • Can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
   • Inflammation may affect entire fingers or toes, causing them to swell like sausages.
4. Gout:
   • A type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joint, leading to intense pain and inflammation.
   • Often affects the big toe but can occur in any joint.
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis:
   • A type of arthritis that affects the spine, causing inflammation and potentially leading to chronic pain and disability.
   • Can cause some of the vertebrae in your spine to fuse.
6. Juvenile Arthritis:
   • Refers to arthritis that affects children.
   • Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints, similar to other types of arthritis.

Symptoms

• Pain: Joint pain is the most common symptom of arthritis. It can range from mild to severe and can be chronic or come and go.
• Stiffness: Particularly noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling: Joints may become swollen, tender, and warm to the touch.
• Redness: The skin over the affected joint might appear red.
• Decreased Range of Motion: Joints might not move as freely or as far as they used to.

Causes

The exact cause of arthritis depends on the type. However, potential causes include:

• Genetic factors: Certain types of arthritis run in families.
• Age: The risk of many types of arthritis — including osteoarthritis — increases with age.
• Gender: Most types of arthritis are more common in women, except for gout, which is more common in men.
• Joint injuries: Injuries or trauma to a joint can lead to arthritis later in life.
• Obesity: Excess weight contributes to the development of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing arthritis typically involves:

• Medical History: A detailed history of symptoms, family history, and overall health.
• Physical Examination: Doctors will check for swollen joints, tenderness, range of motion, and any physical deformities.
• Imaging Tests:
  • X-rays: Can reveal bone damage, cartilage loss, and bone spurs.
  • MRI and Ultrasound: Can help detect damage to soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
• Lab Tests:
  • Blood Tests: Can help diagnose types like rheumatoid arthritis by checking for specific antibodies.
  • Joint Fluid Analysis: A sample of the fluid from the affected joint can help pinpoint the type of arthritis.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Common treatments include:

• Medications:
  • NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): Used particularly for rheumatoid arthritis to slow disease progression.
  • Biologics: Target specific parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation in RA.
  • Corticosteroids: Help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around joints.
• Surgery:
  • Joint Repair: In some cases, joint surfaces can be smoothed or realigned to reduce pain.