Know All About Arthritis — Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment Options

• Written by Mudit Handa

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Life is easier when your body remains flexible. However, if you face any stiffness in joints, it seriously affects your body’s movement. Such a situation hugely impacts your daily life functions and makes you feel helpless. Many diseases affect joint flexibility and mobility. One such common illness is arthritis. Numerous people of various ages suffer from painful joints due to arthritis.

A renowned rheumatologist, Dr Shrikant Wagh, has said that arthritis affects more than 210 million people in India, constituting about 15% of the entire population. Moreover, the prevalence of this disease is growing higher than many other diseases, such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer. 

This article will explain the causes and symptoms of arthritis and how to treat this disease so you can live free of pain and worry. 

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term encompassing various conditions that affect the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and different types of arthritis is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.

What are the Most Common Arthritis Symptoms?

Here are some of the most common symptoms of arthritis that most patients face:

• Stiffness in joints with acute pain and swelling
• Reduced range of motion, i.e. shortness of steps/arm movements
• Sensitivity and warmth in the affected joint
• Fatigue 
• Some types of arthritis also develop fever, rash, or other apparent symptoms.

What are the Different Types of Arthritis?

Here are different types of Arthritis based on the region of the body where they occur:

Osteoarthritis: The most prevalent form, characterised by cartilage degeneration.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: Associated with psoriasis, a skin condition.
• Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints.
• Juvenile Arthritis: Affects children under 16.
• infectious Arthritis: Caused by bacterial or viral infection
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation and joint damage. This is the most common type of arthritis experienced by most seniors. 

What Causes Degenerative Osteoarthritis?  

Degenerative osteoarthritis, commonly known as osteoarthritis, is primarily caused by the gradual wear and tear of cartilage in the joints. This wear and tear is generally worsened in the elderly age due to the following factors:

• Overexertion or Joint Injury: Continued stress on a specific joint or a past fracture can accelerate cartilage degeneration.
• Obesity: Besides, being overweight also puts additional pressure on the joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees and pelvic bones.

What are the Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms? 

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs with the presence of the following symptoms:

• Severe Joint Pain, Swelling, and Stiffness: These hallmark symptoms often affect multiple joints symmetrically (e.g., wrists or knees).
• Morning Stiffness: You may experience significant stiffness in your body, particularly in the morning, which can last an hour or more. 
• Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy is expected due to the body's inflammatory response.
• Loss Of Appetite: Inflammation can suppress appetite and lead to weight loss.
• Fever: Low-grade fever may occur, especially during flare-ups.

In addition to these common symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause other issues like:

• Rheumatoid Nodules: Firm bumps under the skin, usually near affected joints.
• Dry Eyes and Mouth: This can occur due to Sjögren's syndrome, which is often associated with RA.
• Anaemia: Chronic inflammation can disrupt red blood cell production.
• Lung Problems: Inflammation can affect the lungs, causing shortness of breath or chest pain.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you must see a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent joint damage.

What Causes Arthritis?

Here are some evident causes of various forms of arthritis:

• Joint Wear & Tear: Osteoarthritis, the most common type, results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage in joints due to age, overuse, or injury.
• Autoimmune Disease: In rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune forms, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and damage.
• Infection: Contagious arthritis can occur due to a bacterial or viral infection that spreads to the joints.
• Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop certain types of arthritis.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, including jobs that involve prolonged sitting, can increase the risk of developing arthritis. While not a direct cause, it can contribute to risk factors like obesity and joint stiffness.
• Other Factors: Obesity, pre-existing joint injuries, and specific laborious jobs can also increase the risk of developing arthritis.

What is the Treatment For Arthritis?

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing arthritis effectively and minimising joint damage. Accordingly, treatment options may include: 

• Medication 
• Physical therapy, 
• Lifestyle modifications, 
• In some severe cases, joint replacement surgery may also be required.

Arthritis treatment aims to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow disease progression. The specific treatment plan will vary depending on the type of arthritis and the individual's symptoms. Accordingly, the following treatment approaches can help treat arthritis:

• Acupuncture: Many orthopaedists recommend this ancient Chinese treatment technique. In this approach, thin needles are inserted at specific points that can help improve joint function and mobility.
• Medications and Ointments: Your doctor may recommend certain anti-inflammatory medications to reduce joint inflammation. Besides, s/he may advise you to massage your joints with anti-inflammatory ointments regularly. However, you must avoid over-the-counter medicines and take medications only on a doctor’s prescription.
• Joint-replacement Surgery: In severe cases, your doctor may recommend you get joint-replacement surgery to remove the damaged joint.

Which Therapies Can Help Treat Arthritis?

There are two types of therapies which are ideal for treating arthritis:

• Physiotherapy: Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, involves exercises and techniques performed under the guidance of a physical therapist.
• Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can guide you through new ways to perform daily activities and conserve physical energy.

These are the standard rheumatoid arthritis therapies that are generally prescribed for effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

What are Some Lifestyle Changes to Treat Arthritis?

Here are some effective lifestyle changes that can help you manage and cure arthritis:

• Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain joint flexibility and strength.
• Weight Loss: Losing excess weight can reduce joint stress and reduce symptoms.
• Heat & Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs can help relieve pain and stiffness.

These are some healthy habits that can help you manage arthritis pain and prevent the necessity of surgery. 

Yet, there are some severe cases where joint replacement surgery is necessary. This can take up a considerable chunk of your savings for hospitalisation expenses such as ICU charges, surgery, consumable expenses, and medications.

>>Read More:Acute Kidney Injury: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Get Comprehensive Health Coverage for Arthritis

In today’s age of inflation, covering medical expenses from savings seems next to impossible. Suppose a health emergency arises that requires urgent surgery; the treatment of the disease can take up a significant portion of your savings. The only way to stay stress-free is to have adequate health coverage. It is always wise to prearrange adequate health coverage for certain slow-growing diseases such as arthritis. However, most health insurance policies usually have a waiting period for such conditions. This is a waiting period before you can make claims related to the condition. You can also buy health insurance policies, in which you can also opt for a waiting period modification feature for slow-growing diseases like arthritis to reduce your waiting period.

Take control of your health and well-being today! Secure health coverage for yourself and your family to ensure a stress-free future.

Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.