Arthritis Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Arthritis is defined as an inflammation of joints. It causes stiffness and pain in joints that increases with age. There are more than 200 types of arthritis. Arthritis not only affects joints but also the tissues around joints. About 30% of adults are suffering from arthritis. It is one of the most common medical conditions.

Types

The most common types of arthritis are,

1.               Osteoarthritis

It is also known as degenerative arthritis. It is due to the breakdown and disintegration in the cartilage and new bones. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, obesity or some major joint injury. In osteoarthritis, the space between joints becomes narrow. It is also due to the erosion of articular cartilage. Its symptoms include extreme pain and movement limitations. It is common in both sexes and in older age. In this type, the Rh factor is negative. 

2.               Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is a chronic type of arthritis. It affects different organs and tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, our immune system attacks the healthy body joints and results in osteoarthritis. It mainly attacks joints but also affects blood vessels, lungs, muscles and heart. Its symptoms include fatigue, pain, movement limitations and malaise. It is most common in females at a young age. In this type, the Rh factor is negative.

3.               Infectious Arthritis

Infectious arthritis is also termed as septic arthritis. In this type, arthritis-like symptoms appear in joints as a result of bacterial or viral infection. It is a type of inflammatory disorder. Its symptoms include fever, chills, rash, pain, redness and stiffness in joints. Suppurative is an example of infectious arthritis.

4.               Non-Infectious Arthritis

It is the most common type of arthritis. Loss of movement and physical dependence are the outcomes of this disease.  Ankylosing spondylitis is an example of non-infectious arthritis.

5.               Gouty Arthritis

Gout is another type of arthritis. It is due to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints. It causes pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in joints.

Symptoms

The most common sign and symptoms of arthritis are,

•  Pain and swelling in the joints
•  Stiffness and tenderness in joints
•  Motion limitations
•  Physical dependence
•  Fever and fatigue
•  Weight loss
•  Joint grinding
•  Morning stiffness
•  Warmth joints

Causes

There are different causes of arthritis depending upon the type of arthritis. Some types of arthritis run in families due to hereditary or genetic factors. Some injuries lead to the development of osteoarthritis. Some types of arthritis are auto-immune disorders. That means our immune system attacks the healthy cells and causes disease. The triggering agent behind this attack is still unknown. Females are at higher risk for developing arthritis. Obesity and over age also contribute to arthritis. Family history also plays an important role.

Treatment

Pharmacological Treatment

There are different treatment approaches depending upon the type of arthritis. Painkillers are the first line drugs to reduce the pain in joints. But they have no effect on inflammation. The most common painkiller used in the treatment of arthritis is acetaminophen. Opioids are also used to reduce the severity of pain. They are used in extreme or chronic pain. They act on the central nervous system and block pain signals. The most common opioids include tramadol and oxycodone. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are prescribed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They act on our immune system and prevent it from attacking our joints. The most commonly prescribed medications are methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. Corticosteroids are used to reduce the inflammation in joints. The corticosteroids such as cortisone or prednisone can be taken by mouth. In severe cases, corticosteroids can also be injected into joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat both inflammation and pain. The most common drugs used are ibuprofen and naproxen. They are also available in the form of creams and ointment. Biologic response modifiers act on our immune system. They are mostly used in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors such as infliximab & etanercept are the most common types of biologic response modifiers. Some counter irritants such as menthol and capsaicin containing creams and ointments are also used to reduce pain and inflammation in joints and surrounding tissues.

Surgical Treatment

If the arthritis is in its chronic stage and there is no improvement with medication. Then surgery is the only option left. The most common surgical procedures used for arthritis are,

•  Joint replacement
•  Joint repair
•  Joint fusion