Understanding Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints that connect bones. These joints facilitate smooth movement, but when inflamed, they hinder everyday activities. Joint pain, known as arthralgia, accompanies this condition. Arthritis can affect a single joint, called monoarthritis; two or three joints, termed oligoarthritis; or multiple joints, referred to as polyarthritis.

Common Types of Arthritis

The most prevalent forms include osteoarthritis, resulting from cartilage deterioration or injury, and rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing inflammation.

Causes of arthritis vary depending on the type. Injury often leads to osteoarthritis, while genetic factors and metabolic issues like gout or pseudo gout can also be involved.

Additionally, bacterial and viral infections may trigger arthritis. When the immune system wrongly targets joint tissues, rheumatoid arthritis develops, affecting joints, ligaments, tendons, and sometimes organs.

Symptoms and Indicators

Early signs include joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Additional symptoms include tender joints, swelling, fever, fatigue, weight loss, redness, warmth around joints, lymph node swelling, chest pain if the heart is affected, and breathing difficulties if the lungs are involved.

Diagnosis Process

A rheumatologist conducts the diagnosis by reviewing symptoms and medical history, followed by tests or X-rays to confirm the arthritis type before treatment begins.

Management and Treatment

Depending on the specific form, treatments vary but typically include anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, ice packs, surgery, paraffin wax therapy, and immune-modulating drugs. While there is no cure for arthritis, proper treatment and lifestyle changes can effectively manage symptoms.