Arthritis is inflammation can affect the knees, palm joints, or part of the spine. The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and pain and joint stiffness are the main symptoms of arthritis.
There are less common types of arthritis that may be caused by other medical problems that affect other parts of the body, such as: lupus, which can affect the kidneys, lungs, and joints, and psoriasis, which is primarily a skin disease that sometimes affects the joints as well.
Symptoms of arthritis
The most common symptoms of arthritis are related to the type of inflammation, and can include:
- ache.
- stiffness;
- swelling.
- redness.
- Decreased range of motion.
Some specific types of arthritis have signs and symptoms that affect other parts of the body. These symptoms include:
- high body temperature;
- Tired.
- rash;
- drop in weight
- breathing problems
- Dryness in the eyes and mouth.
Causes of arthritis
With age, the risk of developing many types of arthritis increases, and the pain associated with arthritis arises as a result of joint injury.
The joint consists of the following parts:
Articular cartilage: It is a hard but smooth covering at the ends of the bones. The articular cartilage enables the bones to move smoothly.
Articular capsule : It is a tough, tough membrane that covers all parts of the joint.
Synovial membrane : It is a thin membrane that surrounds the articular capsule and produces synovial fluid, which is used as a lubricant for joint movement.
How does arthritis affect the joints ?
The two most common types of arthritis affect the joints in different forms, as follows:
- Osteoarthritis
Cartilage damage and rupture may create a situation in which one bone moves on the back of the other, causing them to erode together, and this causes pain and limits the range of movement of the joint.
The process of cartilage damage and rupture can last many years, and can occur quickly as a result of injury or inflammation in the joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
In this type of arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovial membrane and causes inflammation, which leads to swelling, redness and pain in the joint. This disease may eventually destroy the cartilage and bone attached to the joint.
risk factors
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include the following:
- family history
Some types of arthritis are hereditary, so the risk of developing these types is higher in people with a family history of the disease, ie who have parents, mothers, brothers or sisters who have had the disease before.
It is not the genes that cause the disease, but it increases the degree of sensitivity to environmental factors that can cause the disease.
- Age
With age, the risk of developing many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, increases.
- sex
Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while the majority of gout sufferers are men.
- Previous joint injuries
People who have injured a joint during a sporting activity, for example, are at risk of developing arthritis in the same joint that was previously injured.
- obesity
Carrying extra weight puts pressure on the joints, especially the knees, pelvis and spine, so people who are obese are at high risk of developing arthritis.
Diagnosis of arthritis
Doctors recommend doing some of the tests detailed below, depending on the type of arthritis they suspect, including the following :
- 1. Medical tests
A combination of tests from examining different cells of the body can help determine the type of inflammation.
the blood.
Pee.
joint fluid.
- 2. imaging
The following tests can detect joint problems that cause arthritis symptoms, including:
X-ray image.
Magnetic resonance imaging.
Arthroscopy.
In certain cases, the doctor looks for an injury in the joint by inserting a small, flexible tube called an arthroscope. By making an opening next to the joint, the arthroscope transmits images of the joint cavity to a video screen.
Arthritis disease treatment
Joint immobilization with a splint can be effective in treating different types of arthritis. Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function.
Sometimes there is a need to try various treatments or to combine different treatments with each other in order to be able to determine the best treatment for a specific patient. Treatment options include the following:
1. Common drugs to treat arthritis
There are several medications available to treat arthritis, depending on the type of inflammation, including :
- Pain-relieving medications: This type of medication helps relieve pain, but does not affect inflammation.
- Anti-stimulant drugs: These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-rheumatic drugs to change the character of the disease.
- Biological medicines: These medicines are usually used in combination with anti-rheumatic and disease-modifying medicines.
- Corticosteroid medicines: These reduce inflammation.
2. Surgical treatment
If conventional treatment methods do not help and do not achieve the desired results, the doctor may recommend surgery, such as:
- Synovectomy.
- Joint fusion.
Arthritis prevention
There is no known and clear way to prevent arthritis, but maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular physical exercise will reduce the risk of infection.
- Alternative therapies
Many people turn to alternative treatments for arthritis, but there is not enough evidence to prove their effectiveness. Some alternative treatments help relieve symptoms only of certain types of arthritis. The best alternative treatments for arthritis include:
- Physical therapy can be effective in treating different types of arthritis.
- Aerobic exercises can increase range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the joint.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation - TENS.
- Acupuncture can be effective.