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What are the Causes and Treatments of Arthritis?
Are you suffering from constant pain in the knees, legs, and arms? Have you been facing difficulty in quickly running about and doing the daily chores?
Dr. Tanveer Bhutani, Punjab’s best orthopedic surgeon suggests checking for symptoms like stiffness, swelling, pain, redness, and decreased motion and if the symptoms show affirmation, you may be further checked for arthritis.
Arthritis is the inflammation, swelling, and tenderness of one or more joints in the body. Arthritis worsens with age and it is a rheumatic condition that may spread to tissues surrounding the joint and other connective tissue.
There are various forms of arthritis and some of them can adversely affect the immune system of the body as well as damage the other organs.
What are the Causes of Arthritis?
The causes of arthritis cannot be explicitly defined. However, the following may be probable causes of arthritis:
- Inheritance and Genes
- Abnormal metabolism
- Injury of some kind
- Dysfunctional Immunity system
Arthritis is usually linked to a combination of factors. However, genetics are a predominant factor causing arthritis.
Sometimes smoking or an unhealthy lifestyle or a demanding occupation may lead to arthritis. Even diet, nutrition, and increased levels of uric acid may lead to arthritis.
Diets high in saturated fats, refined sugar, and animal-derived protein may lead to inflammation in the body.
Increasing age, excessive weight, damages in joints,s and high blood pressure are some of the causes of arthritis.
Why is Treating Arthritis Important?
Arthritis does not only impair your daily efficiency and working potential but severe arthritis damages multiple organs and the immune systems of the body as well.
Nearly 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions adversely affecting joints summarize arthritis. Weight-bearing joints respond negatively to daily routine work and sometimes even walking up straight.
Arthritis must be treated urgently before the acute pain, discomfort and risks pass on to other joints and body organs.
What are the Types of Arthritis?
There are nearly more than 100 forms of arthritis. However majorly the four most common types of arthritis are as follows:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
As OA develops, the protective cartilage inside the joint breaks down and the affected joints become more painful as the bones of the joint further rub against each other. Osteoarthritis causes intermittent to acute pain and makes routine actions difficult.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a common type of arthritis and the body’s own immunity system attacks the organs and joints. The immunity system attacks the lining of the joints and damages them permanently.
- Psoriatic Arthritis
This again is an autoimmune disease where the immune system causes inflammation and pain in the body. The joints and the tissue where tendons and ligaments are attached to the bones are debilitated.
- Gout
With an excess of uric acid, crystals start depositing in the body, the excess fat cells start developing in the blood and the condition is called hyperuricemia. The uric acid crystals deposit in the joints which leads to acute joint inflammation and pain.
What are the Treatments of Arthritis?
Early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis are quintessential to a pain-free life. The best orthopedic doctor in Punjab,
Dr. Tanveer Bhutani, EVA Hospital is a specialist in arthritis treatment and emphasizes that self-care is the best way to treat arthritis in the long run. The patient must indulge in daily physical exercise and fitness regime.
You must focus on weight loss and learn the right application of heat pads, cold compresses, and ice packs for immediate relief.
Dr. Bhutani also advocates that sometimes acupuncture, massages, stretching, and therapies like hydrotherapy where water (e.g. mineral baths and hot tubs) can be used to relieve pain in the initial stages.
What are the Medications for treating arthritis?
The treatment of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis. A few commonly used medicines to treat arthritis are:
- Painkillers
Medicines like Tylenol and others which contain Acetaminophen help in relieving immediate pain of the joints in arthritis.
- Counterirritants
Some medicines comprising menthol or capsaicin can instill a hot peppery sensation on the skin, thereby alleviating the pain from the joint.
- Non-Steroidal Drugs
Some drugs called Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and pain. Some such tablets may be available with a prescription only.
Dr. Bhutani does not recommend consistent use of these in the long run as they may interfere with the normal functioning of the heart.
- Anti-rheumatic Drugs
The disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic response modifiers are genetically modified drugs that stop the immune system from attacking the joints.
What happens when Medication Does not Work?
If the condition of the patient is worsening, the surgeon may recommend Arthroscopic surgery to analyze the kind of arthritis and the extent of damage done.
Dr. Bhutani says after proper diagnosis and trying the elementary steps, the patient may be advised of a Hip replacement, knee replacement, or joint replacement surgery.
You must take care of the credentials and experience of the surgeon as it plays a very significant role in the success of the surgery.
Conclusion
Arthritis can cause physical agony and deter you from being active with your daily chores. It may worsen into depression and mental trauma if not treated timely.
Consulting and taking proper medications under the able guidance of a proficient orthopedic with prior experience is the key to relieving yourself from excruciating pain.