Arthritis
Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, and Management
Arthritis is a common but often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s not just a single disease but a term that encompasses over 100 different types of joint disorders and related conditions. Let’s delve into the various types of arthritis, their symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies to empower individuals to better understand and cope with this often debilitating condition.
TYPES OF ARTHRITIS:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears off over time. It commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage. RA often affects multiple joints symmetrically, including the hands, wrists, and feet.
- Juvenile Arthritis: Juvenile arthritis refers to arthritis that occurs in children under the age of 16. It encompasses several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term joint damage and disability in children.
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SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS
Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition but often include:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, imaging tests (X-rays, MRI), and laboratory tests (blood tests for inflammation markers, rheumatoid factor, etc.)
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
A) Medications:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate arthritis pain.
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics: These medications are used to slow or stop the progression of inflammatory arthritis such as RA by targeting the underlying immune response.
- Corticosteroids: Injections of corticosteroids into affected joints can provide short-term relief from inflammation and pain.
B) Lifestyle Modifications:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, including low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling, can help improve joint flexibility, strength, and overall mobility.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints and can help alleviate arthritis symptoms.
- Improving food choices: Must focus on including anti inflammatory & antioxidant rich foods like omega 3 fatty acids (olives, extra virgin oilve oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts) , berries, nuts, 2 servings of fruits & 3-4 servings of vegetables
- Use of joint protectors: Using assistive devices like knee caps, cane stick, walkers, ergonomic tools, and modifying activities to reduce joint strain can help protect and preserve joint function.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapists can develop customized exercise programs and provide techniques to improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
C) Surgical Interventions: For severe cases of arthritis, surgical options such as joint replacement surgery (e.g., hip or knee replacement) or joint fusion may be considered to relieve pain and restore function.
Living with Arthritis
Living with arthritis can present unique challenges, but with proper management and support, individuals can lead fulfilling lives. It’s essential to cultivate a strong support network, stay informed about treatment options, and prioritize self-care practices such as stress management, adequate rest, and healthy eating habits.
Remember, you’re not alone in your journey with arthritis we at Foodnwellness, can help you to navigate this condition by guiding you with your diet choices, real time whats app support & easy stretching exercises.
- Hochberg MC, Altman RD, April KT, et al. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012;64(4):465-474. Doi:10.1002/acr.21596
- Smolen JS, Aletaha D, McInnes IB. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet. 2016;388(10055):2023-2038. Doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30173-8
- Nigrovic PA, Raychaudhuri S, Thompson SD. Genetics and the Classification of Arthritis in Adults and Children. In: Hochberg MC, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; 2019:130-139.
- American College of Rheumatology. Juvenile Arthritis. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Juvenile-Arthritis. Accessed April 26, 2024.
- Lee YC, Cui J, Lu B, et al. Pain persists in DAS28 rheumatoid arthritis remission but not in ACR/EULAR remission: a longitudinal observational study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011;13(3):R83. Doi:10.1186/ar3353
- Cleveland Clinic. Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21205-arthritis. Accessed April 26, 2024.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Evidence-Based Guideline. https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/osteoarthritis-of-the-knee-2nd-edit-4-26-21.pdf. Accessed April 26, 2024.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
- Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis. Accessed April 26, 2024.Mayo Clinic.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648. Accessed April 26, 2024.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Physical Activity for Arthritis. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/interventions/physical-activity.html. Accessed April 26, 2024.
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