Arthritis: Types, symptoms and treatment
Arthritis in general terms refers to different types of joint diseases, which can affect a person of any age and gender. Previously, all researchers believed that arthritis was an age-related illness and only occurred in people over 50 years of age. However, recent research has shown that it can occur at any age. In fact, arthritis has become one of the major causes of social and economic concern, as it restricts the patient’s mobility.
Types of arthritis
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
Symptoms of Arthritis
All types of arthritis will have four common symptoms:
- Pain and swelling (inflammation).
- Stiffness and tenderness in the joints
- Regular fevers.
- Localized redness in the impacted area.
Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis:
If your child has juvenile arthritis, he/she may experience:
- Weakness in muscles
- Having scratches on the skin for no reason
- Constant fatigue
- Inability to sleep properly due to constant pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can commonly cause the following symptoms:
- Limited movement in hands, fingers, joints and legs
- Anemia (decreased iron levels in the body)
- Being very tired (fatigue).
- Having depression (a sense of discouragement and lack of motivation).
- (In advanced cases) Wings while walking. You often don’t notice the wing, but other people you come in contact with do.
- Deformity in joints (advanced cases)
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Pain in joints and muscles immediately after waking up in the morning.
- An audible cracking or popping sound in your joints.
- Swelling or swelling in and around the joints
- Pain in muscles and joints at the end of the day or even while resting.
Symptoms of Gout
- Swelling with tenderness.
- Feel the heat in that particular area.
- Skin red, yellow, yellowish but mostly red.
- Severe pain in the affected area when touched.
When to see a doctor?
If there is regular pain and stiffness in the joints and limitation of movement, consult a doctor for sure. Try not to delay, as this is a life-long condition and it is better to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Treatment of Arthritis
There is still no conclusive remedy for arthritis. But this does not mean that there is no need for treatment. You might be shocked to realize that numerous patients utilize promptly accessible pain killers, and so forth. They avoid going to the doctor and that is why complications arise in this disease. In such cases consult an Osteopath, and a rheumatologist in case of rheumatoid arthritis.
Physiotherapy is additionally a significant perspective in the treatment of patients with arthritis. As the progressive disease stage causes various deformities and extra bone growth, which makes movement difficult, physiotherapy exercises can restore range of motion and flexibility. Doctors also recommend ultrasonic waves to relieve pain and ligament strain. Applying heat to the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis also reduces muscle tension and pain. Therefore intensive heat is applied to loosen the affected joint areas.
Summary
Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints, knees, elbows, hips, and heels, characterized by redness and pain. It is an immune system condition, where the body’s immune system begins to destroy its own cells and cartilage. Joints and their surrounding regions are affected and patient’s movement becomes difficult. Among the many types of arthritis are Rheumatoid arthritis, Juvenile arthritis, and Osteoarthritis.
There is no permanent cure for arthritis, however effective management can help reduce pain and prevent the risks associated with arthritis, such as cardiovascular disease and chronic joint damage.
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