Arthritis is an inflammation that can affect the knees, palm joints, or part of the spine. The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Pain and stiffness in the joints are the main symptoms of arthritis.
There are less common types of arthritis that may be the result of other medical problems that affect other parts of the body, such as lupus, which may 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 arthritis symptoms depend on the type of inflammation, and can include:
- pain.
- Stiffness.
- swelling.
- redness.
Decreased range of motion.
Some specific types of arthritis have symptoms and signs that affect other organs in the body. These symptoms include the following:
High body temperature.
- Tired.
- Rash.
- Weight loss.
- Breathing problems.
- Dryness in the eyes and mouth.
Causes and risk factors of arthritis
With age, the possibility 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: A hard but smooth covering at the ends of bones. Articular cartilage enables bones to move smoothly.
- Joint capsule: a tough, tough membrane that encloses all parts of a joint.
- Synovial membrane: It is a thin membrane that surrounds the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid, which is used as a lubricant for joint movement.
How does inflammation affect joints?
The two most common types of arthritis affect the joints in different forms, as follows:
- Osteoarthritis
Wear and tear of the cartilage may create a situation in which the bones move against one another, causing them to wear together. This causes pain and limits the range of motion of the joint.
The process of damage and tear to the cartilage 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 ultimately lead to the destruction of the cartilage and bone attached to the joint.
Risk factors
Risk factors for arthritis include:
- 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, that is, those who have fathers, mothers, brothers, or sisters who have had the disease before.
Genes do not cause the disease, but they increase the degree of sensitivity to environmental factors that may cause the disease.
- Age
As you age, your risk of developing many types of arthritis increases, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Sex
Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while the majority of people with gout are men.
- Previous joint injuries
People who sustain a joint injury during a sporting activity, for example, are at risk of developing arthritis in the same joint that was previously injured.
- Excess obesity
Carrying excess weight puts pressure on the joints, especially the knees, pelvis, and spine, so obese people are at high risk of developing arthritis.
Complications of arthritis
Acute arthritis, especially when it affects the hands or arms, may make it difficult for the patient to perform simple daily tasks. It may also make it difficult for the affected person to walk or sit upright, and in certain cases the joints may become crooked and deformed.
Diagnosis of arthritis
Depending on the type of arthritis they suspect, doctors recommend performing some of the tests detailed below. Tests include the following:
1. Laboratory tests
Analysis and examination of various fluids in the body can help determine the type of inflammation. The fluids that are examined and analyzed are:
- the blood.
- Urine.
- Joint fluid.
To obtain a sample of joint fluid, the doctor must sterilize and anesthetize the skin, then insert a needle into the joint cavity to withdraw a little of the fluid inside it.
2. Photography
The following tests can detect joint problems that cause symptoms of arthritis, including:
- X-ray image.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Arthroscopy.
In certain cases, the doctor looks for joint damage 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.
Treatment of arthritis
Immobilizing the joint with a splint can be effective in treating different types of arthritis. Arthritis treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the joints' ability to perform their function.
Sometimes there is a need to try various treatments or combine different treatments in an effort to determine the best treatment for a specific patient. Treatment options include the following:
1. Common medications to treat arthritis
There are many medications to treat arthritis depending on the type of inflammation, which include the following:
- Pain relievers: 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 course of the disease.
- Biological medications: These medications are usually used in combination with anti-rheumatoid and disease-modifying medications.
- Corticosteroid medications: which reduce the severity of inflammation.
2. Surgical treatment
If traditional treatment methods do not help and do not achieve the desired results, the doctor may recommend surgery, such as:
- Synovectomy.
- Joint fusion.
Prevention of arthritis
There is no known and clear way to prevent arthritis, but maintaining a healthy weight and continuing to exercise regularly can reduce the risk of infection.
Alternative treatments
Many people turn to alternative treatments to treat arthritis, but there is little evidence to prove their effectiveness. Some alternative treatments help relieve the symptoms of only certain types of arthritis. The best alternative treatments for arthritis include the following:
- Physical therapy can be effective in treating different types of arthritis.
- Sports measurements affect the extent of impact and strengthen the sensory response in the joint.
- Internal electrical stimulation through the skin (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation - TENS).
- Acupuncture can be effective.