Arthritis Treatment Essentials: Everything You Need To Get Started

In India, arthritis is known to affect around 15% of people, i.e., over 210 million. Among them, nearly 9.6% are men and 18% are women aged 60 years or more. With such a huge population suffering from this disease, learning all about what is arthritis has become more crucial than ever.
Let’s help you understand arthritis, its causes, and the available treatments.

What you need to know:

What is arthritis?
Exploring the common types of arthritis
Common symptoms of arthritis
What causes arthritis development?
Exploring treatment options for arthritis
Living well with arthritis: Tips for a healthy life

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to the tenderness, inflammation, and swelling of one or more joints. Mostly seen in people older than 50, there are at least 100 kinds of arthritis affecting joints and the tissues around the joints.

Exploring the common types of arthritis

Let’s find out the types of arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most typical type of arthritis issue, often referred to as “wear and tear.” In fact, it is the most common joint disease, with a 22% to 39% rate in India, more frequent in women than men. The chances of getting this issue rise dramatically with age. OA happens when the cartilage cushions the ends of bones in the joints, which gradually deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system attacks the joints mistakenly, causing inflammation. It typically affects smaller joints first (i.e., the hands and feet).

Other forms of arthritis

Other forms of arthritis include:

Psoriatic Arthritis (combines skin and joint inflammation)
Gout (involves uric acid crystal buildup)
Fibromyalgia (causes widespread pain and fatigue)
Lupus Arthritis (affects multiple organs)
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Childhood Arthritis)

Common symptoms of arthritis

Arthritis symptoms can differ from week to week and even day to day. The following are the most common symptoms that can be noticed in each variant:

Joint pain and stiffness

Joint pain, as well as stiffness, are hallmark symptoms of arthritis.
The discomfort and uneasy feeling can vary from mild to severe.
It worsens with physical activity and improves with rest.
Stiffness is especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Swelling & redness in affected joints

Arthritis often causes swelling and redness in the affected joints
Make the joints feel warm to the touch and tender
Contributes to the overall pain and discomfort

Limited range of motion

Using joints through their full range gets increasingly difficult.
It hurts to move the affected joints and impacts daily activities and overall mobility.

What causes arthritis development?

Let’s see what causes arthritis:

Age and joint wear-and-tear

As individuals age, the natural wear-and-tear on joints increases.

Autoimmune system dysfunction

Like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune forms of arthritis involve the immune system mistakenly striking the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage.

Genetics and family history

Genetic factors play a significant role. Certain types of arthritis predispose individuals to developing the condition, and having arthritis in the family increases the likelihood of developing it.

Injuries and past trauma

Previous joint injuries or trauma can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life, as they may accelerate the breakdown of cartilage. It can lead to joint damage.

Lifestyle factors and obesity

Lifestyle choices and conditions (i.e., lack of exercise, poor diet, or obesity) can cause arthritis. Having too much weight puts extra strain on the joints, thereby increasing the risk of getting osteoarthritis.

Exploring treatment options for arthritis

Arthritis treatment options are as follows:

1. Medication management for pain and inflammation

Consult your doctor before you consider any medication. Following are the options to consider:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

2. Physical therapy for improved joint function and mobility

Given below are some of the best physical therapy options:

Motion exercises (shoulder rolls, ankle circles, neck tilts)
Strengthening exercises (squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, dumbbell rows)
Aerobic exercises (running, cycling, swimming, jumping jacks, dancing)
Manual therapy (massage, joint mobilization, stretching)
Assistive devices (cane, walker, splints, braces)

3. Lifestyle modifications: Diet, exercise, and weight management

Keep in mind the following:

Consume anti-inflammatory foods
Regular exercise or meditation
Stay hydrated
Sit in proper posture
Use join protective gear
Quit smoking

Living well with arthritis: Tips for a healthy life

Here are some tips to help you get through arthritis:

Focus on getting better at your overall physical and mental health.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don’t put too much stress on your joints.
Follow a balanced and healthy diet rich in fruits, whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats).
Inculcate stress-reducing practises (deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness).
Get adequate sleep and good sleep hygiene habits for a restful sleep each night.
Try various pain management practises (hot or cold therapy, massage, and acupuncture).

Living with arthritis can be challenging. Before you take any steps to manage your condition, make sure to consult a professional. From medical care and lifestyle modifications to self-care practises and exercise, a comprehensive approach to arthritis treatment can make a significant impact.

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