What is arthritis?

Inflammation of the joints is known as arthritis. Arthritis can affect more than one joint at a time. More than 100 types of arthritis are there and have different causes and different treatments. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The symptoms of arthritis may appear suddenly or over the period of time and the arthritis is commonly seen in adults over the age of 65. Arthritis can develop in children, teenagers, and young adults. Arthritis in women and overweight people is more common. 

What are the signs and symptoms of arthritis?

Following are the common signs and symptoms of arthritis:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling at the joints
• Deceases range of motion
• Redness around the affected joints
• Worsening of symptoms in the mornings
• Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
• Joint deformity

What are the causes of arthritis?

• Pressure or shock can create stress on joints
• Reduction in cartilage amount
• Normal wear and tear
• Infection or injury
• Natural break of cartilage
• Genetic history
• Autoimmune disorder

How to diagnose arthritis?

To diagnose arthritis, doctors will examine the location of the joint and perform a few tests to determine the kind of inflammation and the kind of arthritis the patient has. The blood tests that specifically check for antibodies like anti-CCP, RF (Rheumatoid Factor), and ANA are the common markers. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT Scans are used to get the images of the bones and cartilages.   

What are the treatment options for arthritis?

The main reason to get the arthritis treatment is to reduce the maximum amount of pain and discomfort and to avoid any additional damage to the joints. Treatment options available are:

• Surgery 
• Physical therapy
• Heating pads
• Ice packs
• Mobility assisting devices like canes, walker, etc to take off the pressure from the joints

Medications:-

Analgesics such as hydrocodone, acetaminophen help in reducing the pain and inflammation

• NSAIDs
• Menthol and Capsaicin creams
• Immunosuppressants
• Corticosteroids
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

What are the lifestyle modifications and home remedies to treat arthritis?

Following are the few lifestyle modifications and home remedies:

• Losing weight
• Eat a healthy diet
• Include fish and nuts in food habits as they reduce inflammation of the joints and bones
• Avoid fried, processed and dairy foods
• Regular exercise but avoid overdoing