Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joint that causes severe pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint deformity. It can be a serious hindrance to the normal movements of the joints. Thus, It usually occurs between the ages of 40-60 years but sometimes can occur in children too. Further, it is usually more common in females than males. It was found that approximately 20-21 million adults suffer from arthritis. Thus, we refer to it sometimes as the “wear and tear” of joints.

Types of Arthritis

No wonder, there are more than 100 types of arthritis. However, the most common types are as follows:

Osteoarthritis

It is the most common form of arthritis. Consequently, it affects many people globally. Also, it causes the degeneration of the cartilage. Cartilage acts as the natural cushioning of bones and is present on either side of bones. When this cushioning fades off, it creates friction between the bones. Thus, the bones might start making harsh voices with movements.

It usually occurs in people above the age of 65. However, it can be due to some other causes like obesity. Here’s why; an obese puts a lot of pressure on their cartilages which over time wears off. It causes inflammation and joint pains.

Further, osteoarthritis includes arthritis of the knees, hips, spine, hands, and feet. Further, treatments of osteoarthritis help in getting relieved however this can’t be completely cured. Similarly, there are four stages of osteoarthritis-

Stage 1-Minor

It is the first stage with little or no pain in the affected joint. Minor wear and tear of cartilage occur. Ths, with a good lifestyle and a healthy diet, you can manage it.

Stage 2-Mild

It shows little or more bone redness with not-so-great pain. Moreover, people start feeling pain and stiffness in joints in the morning or after a workout. Thus, physical exercise and a healthy diet are best in this stage.

Stage 3-Moderate

In this stage, the cartilage starts getting deteriorated. In this stage joints, might starts producing, crackling, and hash a sound in the morning or with any physical activity. Consequently, doctors recommend various pain-relieving therapies. Further, medicines such as codeine and oxycodone for the patients are given.

Stage 4-Severe

It is the harshest stage. In this stage, the patient has a lot of pain to bore. Most importantly, the cartilage has completely worn off. Also, it causes great friction between bones with a lot of discomfort in walking or any other physical activity. Knee surgery can be beneficial in this stage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease refers to when the body’s immune system gets disturbed and starts attacking its own cells. In rheumatism, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells which cause inflammation and joint pains.

Its exact cause can’t be determined. Various factors such as obesity, smoking, old age, sex (women) cause an increased chance of developing rheumatism. Similarly, it can lead to many chronic heart diseases, diabetes, and many disabilities. On the other hand, it has been found that rheumatism has lesser chances in breastfeeding mothers.

Gout

Gout usually occurs suddenly in a single joint at a time, certainly the toe. It is a very painful form. It happens due to the excess of uric acid in blood and urate crystals in tissues. Also, the deposition of these crystals causes great pain, redness, and swelling of the joints.

Some diuretic pills can cause an increase in uric acid causing gout. Peoples with high blood pressure, dehydration, or any trauma have a high risk of developing this disease. Further, Gout causes a heating of the affected part. Sometimes, it affects more than a single joint.

Unlike other arthritis, it is more common among males than females. People with diabetes, obesity, a high purine diet, and with medications of diuretics are at a higher risk of developing gout. Nonetheless, it’s true that with a healthy diet, proper physical activity, and prescribed medications gout can help in managing it.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people with having a skin disease i.e. psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease that causes skin redness with silvery patches. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis both are auto-immune diseases. In it also, the immune system starts attacking the healthy cells.

It can occur in any age group. The joints which are most likely to get affected are- the joints of the neck, back, elbows, ankles, toes, fingers, knees. Further, Psoriatic arthritis can sometimes affect your vision of the eye and can cause heart diseases.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Symmetric PsA

It affects both sides of the same joint. Moreover, it is milder than rheumatoid arthritis.

Asymmetric PsA

It is mild and only affects one side of the body which becomes red and painful.

Distal interphalangeal PsA

It involves distal joints that are close to the nails.

Spondylitis PsA

This spondylitis PSA includes the spine which makes it quite painful. Moreover, it causes a great hindrance in movements.

Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans

It affects the hands and feet of the body. It is of the severe type.

Lupus

Lupus is also an autoimmune disorder. It is most common in women. It attacks the body’s joints and other organs such as kidneys, heart, and lungs. According to a study by the Lupus Foundation of America, about 1.5 million people are suffering from this disease. Thus, it is no wonder a non-contagious disease. Moreover, this disease got great attention when the singer, Selena Gomez had it.

Types of Lupus

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Discoid lupus erythematosus
• Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
• Drug-induced lupus
• Neonatal lupus

General Causes of Arthritis

Some general causes are-

• Genetic factors
• Old age
• Dysfunctions of metabolism
• Immune attacks
• Pathogenic bacteria attacks
• Wear and tear of the cartilage.

General Symptoms of Arthritis

Some general symptoms are-

• Joint pain
• Stiffness in joints
• Fatigue ( tiredness )
• Joint deformity
• Difficulty in moving joints
• Redness and heat in joints
• Rashes

Diagnosis of Arthritis

Diagnosis is done by-

• Blood tests
• Joint fluid examinations
• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Arthroscopy

FAQs on Arthritis

Question 1- What is the main cause of arthritis?

Answer 1- The main cause is wear and tear of the natural cushioning of bones, the cartilage. Further, it can be due to an infection or injury or moreover because of old age. Moreover, the most common form is osteoarthritis which is due to this wear and tear.

Question 2- How to cure arthritis completely?

Answer 2- It is incurable however it is possible to manage and eradicate it at a maximum level. Further, it can be by a healthy diet, proper medications, and exercise. Similarly, for the management of this condition, one must have a proper and healthy diet. Thu, physical activities, managing weight, proper medication, and getting a good massage can help.

Question 3- What are the most common types of arthritis?

Answer 3- The most common types are-

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Lupus
• Gout

Question 4- Can children get arthritis?

Answer 4- Yes, it’s true, children can get it. The one that is very common among children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Moreover, it is most common in children under the age of 16.

Symptoms-

• Joint pain
• Growth problem
• Stiffness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite