Arthritis is a common medical disorder characterized by joint inflammation and swelling. It can cause discomfort, stiffness, and decreased mobility, making it challenging for people to function regularly. There are various types of arthritis and arthritis treatment; each is unique. Here are a few:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most prevalent type of arthritis is identified by the deterioration of the cartilage in between joints that protects it. Cartilage breakdown causes bone-on-bone contact, which causes pain, stiffness, and limited motion.
Joints that bear body weight, such as the hips, knees, and spine, are commonly affected by OA. It can also cause problems with the fingers, wrists, and elbows. Age, obesity, joint traumas, and heredity are all risk factors for OA.
Patients can use rest, physical therapy, and pain medications to treat mild cases of OA. Doctors may require joint replacement surgery in extreme situations.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
It is an autoimmune illness that causes joint inflammation. Left untreated, it can damage every joint, commonly resulting in deformities and incapacity.
The symptoms of RA include joint stiffness, edema, and discomfort. Fatigue, fever, and weight loss are possible additional symptoms. RA most commonly affects the hands, wrists, and feet, although it can also affect other joints.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological medications, and corticosteroids are among the treatment choices for RA. Physical and occupational therapy can also help to manage symptoms and improve joint function.
Psoriatic Arthritis
This type of arthritis affects persons who have psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis can lead to degeneration and affect any joint if left untreated.
Joint discomfort, stiffness, and edema are all symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriatic Arthritis patients may also have skin changes such as pitting or nail discoloration. Psoriatic Arthritis treatments include NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biological medicines. Individuals with psoriasis may also benefit from topical treatments and light therapy.
Gout
Uric acid crystals form in the joints, producing inflammation and discomfort in this type of arthritis. Gout typically affects the big toe but can also affect other joints.
Gout symptoms include acute pain, edema, and redness in the afflicted joint. Cause of gout episodes can come from certain meals, alcohol, and stress. Gout treatment options include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and uric acid-lowering medicines such as allopurinol and febuxostat. Weight loss and a low-purine diet may also be effective in treating gout.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation and austerity. Hips and shoulders can also be affected by AS.
Back pain and stiffness are symptoms of AS, which are worst in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Ankylosing spondylitis patients may also experience fatigue and eye irritation.
NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biological medicines are among the treatment choices for AS. Physical therapy and exercise can also help people with AS manage their symptoms and improve their joint function.
Juvenile Arthritis (JA)
Juvenile arthritis is an arthritic condition that affects children under the age of 16. Various causes can contribute to it, including genetics, infections, and autoimmune illnesses.
Joint pain, stiffness, and edema are all symptoms of JA. Fever, rash, and exhaustion are all symptoms of JA in children.
NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biological medicines are among the treatment choices for JA. Physical and occupational therapy can also help children with JA manage their symptoms and improve their joint function.
Arthritis Treatments That Work
The kind and severity of the condition determine the most effective arthritis therapies. However, some generic treatments can help people with arthritis.
- Exercise
Regular exercise can assist arthritis patients in minimizing joint pain and austerity while improving joint function. Swimming, walking, and cycling are all examples of low-impact workouts. Strength training exercises can also help with muscular strength and joint stability.
- Weight Control
Maintaining a healthy weight can help minimize joint stress and enhance joint function in people with arthritis. Losing weight can also help to reduce inflammation and joint function and improve overall health.
- Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy
Physical therapy can help people with arthritis improve their joint function and reduce discomfort. A physical therapist can design a program specific to the individual’s needs and teach proper exercise techniques.
- Medications
Drugs such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, DMARDs, biological drugs, and corticosteroids can help people with arthritis reduce pain and inflammation. However, consulting a physician before beginning any medication is critical to ensure optimum dosage and avoid potential side effects.
- Surgery
Doctors may require joint replacement surgery in severe cases of arthritis. The injured joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one during surgery. In people with severe arthritis, this can significantly improve joint function and reduce pain.
- Alternative medicine
Many people try alternative arthritis treatments, but little credible data support their use. The following are the most promising arthritic alternative treatments:
- Acupuncture. This therapy utilizes fine needles implanted at particular places on the skin to alleviate various pains, including those produced by specific types of arthritis.
- Glucosamine. Although research findings have been inconsistent, several studies have revealed that glucosamine is no more effective than a placebo. However, both glucosamine and the placebo alleviated osteoarthritis pain better than nothing, especially in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain.
- Fish oil. Some preliminary research suggests that fish oil supplements may alleviate the symptoms of certain kinds of arthritis. Because fish oil may react with medications, consult your doctor first.
- Massage. Light stroking and kneading of muscles can stimulate blood flow and warm damaged joints, reducing discomfort temporarily. Ascertain that your massage therapist knows which joints are afflicted by arthritis.
Finally, arthritis is a frequent medical disorder that can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility. There are various forms of arthritis, and each requires a unique treatment plan. Managing pain, maintaining or enhancing function and mobility, and delaying joint deterioration are all part of arthritis treatment. The optimal method combines drugs, alternative therapies, and self-care strategies. Individuals with arthritis should consult a healthcare specialist to identify the best treatment plan.