Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body. It is one of the common disorders that can cause joint pain and inflammation, making it challenging to stay active.
While this medical condition usually affects older adults, it can develop in men, women, and children of any age. Its symptoms develop over time, but in some instances, they may appear suddenly. Whatever the case, this condition requires immediate attention and utmost care. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering every aspect related to Arthritis, including its symptoms, potential causes, and treatment.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis?
The word “Arthritis” means joint inflammation. Its symptoms can develop gradually and may impair a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. There are more than 100 types of Arthritis, with different causes and treatments.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type, often resulting from previous damage to the joint, including fracture or inflammation.
Causes of Arthritis
There’s no single cause of all types of Arthritis, and it may vary according to the type. Most forms of Arthritis are believed to be caused by a faulty immune system that causes the body to attack its tissues in the joints. In addition, this medical condition may be inherited genetically.
Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of some arthritis, including obesity, activities that include repetitive movements of joints, and previous damage, such as sports injury or fracture.
Hence, the possible causes of Arthritis may include
- An immune system dysfunction
- A past injury that can lead to degenerative Arthritis
- Obesity puts extra strain on joints
- Abnormal metabolism, which can generally cause Gout and CPPD (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease)
- An infection like Lyme Disease
- Family history or genes
- Muscle weakness
- Age
Most types of Arthritis are caused by a combination of factors. However, some have no apparent cause and appear unpredictable in their emergence.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of this medical condition vary widely, depending on the type. They can develop gradually or suddenly. In addition, since Arthritis is a chronic disease, its symptoms may come and go or persist over time.
If you are suffering from this medical condition, you will surely experience any of these four key warning signs.
- Swelling
In most cases, the skin over the affected joint becomes red and swollen. It also feels warm to the touch, thus indicating Arthritis.
- Difficulty moving a joint
The second key indicator of Arthritis is difficulty moving a specific joint. This condition often makes getting up from a chair or moving appropriately difficult and painful.
- Pain
It is an inevitable part of almost all medical conditions, including Arthritis. However, the frequency of pain in Arthritis depends on the type. It remains constant in some cases and may come and go in others. Also, you can feel pain only on that specific joint or in the parts of the body, too.
- Stiffness
The next key warning sign of Arthritis is Stiffness. Some people may feel stiff joints when waking up in the morning or after sitting in one place for a long time. However, joint stiffness may persist in some instances and need immediate medical attention.
Other common symptoms may include
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- More than one affected joint
In addition to these general signs, certain types of Arthritis may cause unique symptoms. For example, Septic Arthritis often causes intense joint pain and fever. Juvenile RA can trigger eye problems, including iritis, uveitis, etc.
The Possible Treatments of Arthritis
The treatment goal of Arthritis is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function and overall quality of life. While there is no cure for this chronic condition, a range of medications and lifestyle strategies can help protect joints from further damage.
We have mapped out some effective treatments for Arthritis that may help you minimize joint damage and improve their function.
Medications often depend on the type of Arthritis and should be prescribed by a medical expert after analyzing your current situation. Commonly used options are Analgesics, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Counterirritants, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and Biologics.
In addition, you can also turn to herbal dietary supplements, such as Rumacure Capsules - Ayurvedic Capsules for Joint Pain. It contains useful and active ingredients, such as Suranjan, Lavang, Guggul, Pippli, Ashwagandha, and many more, to help people with joint pain issues.
Physical therapy is one of the effective ways to deal with Arthritis. It helps patients overcome some of the challenges while reducing limitations on mobility. Specific exercises are tailored to the condition and individual needs. These are sometimes combined with other pain-relieving treatments, including ice or hot packs.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is the key to handling your joint pain issues more appropriately. Some foods may help reduce inflammation and provide nutrients good for joint health.
These may include fish, whole grains, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and beans.
Summing Up
Understanding arthritis can help you manage it better and feel healthier. We hope our guide has helped you learn the basics of this serious medical condition. While there is no cure for Arthritis, the proper treatment can significantly reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
