In general, arthritis describes a group of conditions that cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in the joints. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, but it is more prevalent among older adults and women. There are over 100 types of arthritis, and the most common ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.
Causes of arthritis
Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, depending on the type and severity of the condition. The following are some possible causes:
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The main cause of osteoarthritis, one of the most common types of arthritis, is wear and tear. As the cartilage that cushions the ends of the joints wears away over time, osteoarthritis occurs. As a result, the bones rub against each other and damage the joint. Ageing, injury, obesity, or overuse of the joint can trigger or worsen osteoarthritis.
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The main cause of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, is inflammation. Inflammation and damage to the joints are caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining (synovium). Genetics, infections, hormones, and environmental factors can trigger or worsen rheumatoid arthritis.
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Inflammatory arthritis caused by crystals is gout. A form of gout occurs when uric acid, which normally dissolves in the blood and passes through the urine, accumulates in the body, forming crystals in the joints. Diet, alcohol consumption, dehydration, kidney problems, and medications can all trigger or worsen gout.
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Those with psoriatic arthritis suffer from this inflammatory arthritis, which is caused by skin conditions. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include inflammation and damage to the joints caused by the immune system. A genetic mutation, infection, stress, or injury can trigger or worsen psoriatic arthritis.
Symptoms of arthritis
There are several common symptoms associated with arthritis, depending on the type and severity of the condition.
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Pain in one or more joints
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Stiffness in one or more joints
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Swelling in one or more joints
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Reduced range of motion or flexibility in one or more joints
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Warmth or redness in one or more joints
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Difficulty performing daily activities or movements that involve the affected joints
Arthritis may also cause other symptoms depending on which parts of the body are affected, such as:
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The affected joints may develop bone spurs (bony growths) or crepitus (cracking sounds) as a result of osteoarthritis
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Fever, fatigue, weight loss, or nodules (lumps) under the skin near the affected joints may be symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
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One joint, usually the big toe, may experience sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness due to gout
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An individual with psoriatic arthritis may develop skin lesions (plaques), nail changes (pitting or separation), or eye inflammation (uveitis).
Diagnosis of arthritis
A doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and how they affect your daily life in order to diagnose arthritis. They will also perform a physical examination and check for signs of inflammation, deformity, or damage in your joints. You may also be asked to undergo some tests to confirm your diagnosis and determine the type and severity of your arthritis. Among the most common tests to diagnose arthritis are:
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Symptoms of arthritis may be detected by blood tests, which measure inflammation, infection, or antibodies in the blood. An elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may indicate inflammation, an elevated level of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, and an elevated level of uric acid may indicate gout.
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In this procedure, a small amount of fluid is extracted from the affected joint and examined under a microscope with a needle and syringe. Depending on the cause or type of arthritis, this can reveal the presence of crystals, bacteria, or white blood cells. It is possible, for example, for uric acid crystals to indicate gout, bacteria to indicate infectious arthritis, or white blood cells to indicate inflammatory arthritis.
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Images of the bones and joints can be obtained with X-rays, which can show signs of damage, erosion, or deformity that may indicate the severity or progression of arthritis. The narrowing of joint spaces, bone spurs, or loss of cartilage may indicate osteoarthritis, while erosion or fusion of joint surfaces may indicate rheumatoid arthritis.
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By using sound waves, ultrasound creates images of the soft tissues around the joints, which can be used to detect symptoms of inflammation, swelling, or fluid accumulation. Symptoms such as synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining) and tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon sheath) may indicate rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, respectively.
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By using magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI produces detailed images of the bones, joints, and soft tissues that may not be visible on an X-ray or ultrasound but reveal any signs of damage, inflammation, or infection. Osteoarthritis, for example, can result in bone marrow swelling or cartilage loss, while rheumatoid arthritis may result in bone erosion or cysts.
Treatment of arthritis
The main goals of arthritis treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent joint damage and disability, and improve quality of life. Treatment options include:
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A variety of medications can be used to control arthritis symptoms and slow down its progression. Among them are pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen), anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin or corticosteroids), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine), biologic agents (like etanercept or infliximab), or gout medications (such as allopurinol or colchicine).
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The goal of physical therapy is to help improve mobility and function of the affected joints by working with a physical therapist. Additionally, it can improve posture and balance, relieve pain, and strengthen the muscles that support the joints.
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Work with an occupational therapist to modify your home, workplace, or school environment to make your tasks easier and safer. You can also learn techniques and skills that can help you conserve energy and protect your joints from injury.
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Usually, surgery is reserved for severe arthritis that does not respond to other treatments. The damaged joint can be repaired, replaced, or fused with artificial materials during surgery. Surgical procedures can help restore function and mobility, as well as reduce pain and disability.
Prevention of arthritis
In spite of the fact that arthritis can have many causes and factors, there are ways to reduce the risk or severity of arthritis.
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Keeping a healthy weight reduces joint stress
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Bone and joint health can be supported by eating a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium
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Maintaining the flexibility and strength of your joints by exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week
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Reducing or avoiding activities that can strain or injure your joints, such as lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or high-impact sports
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Wearing protective gear or equipment that prevents or reduces joint damage, such as helmets, pads, braces, or shoes
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If you experience symptoms of arthritis or a joint injury, seek medical attention immediately
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Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor and following your treatment plan
It is a general term for a group of conditions affecting the joints and causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, but it is more prevalent among older adults and women. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. There are many ways to diagnose and treat arthritis, depending on its cause and type. Arthritis can be controlled and prevented with proper management and care.
