What is arthritis and what are the treatment options for arthritis ?

 Arthritis is a form of joint disease that involves inflammation of one or more joints.

 

What are the types of arthritis ?

  1. Osteoarthritis- Degenerative arthritis; causes of arthritis include age, trauma or infection of joint
  2. Rheumatoid arthritis– Inflammatory arthritis; arthritis causes- unknown, largely genetics are suspected.
  3. Psoriatic arthritis– Seen in psoriasis

 

What are the symptoms of arthritis ?

  1. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and swelling
  2. Joint stiffness
  3. Compromised joint function; fatigue and
  4. Progressive joint damage, if untreated

 

What are the treatment options for arthritis ?

  • Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcome.
  • Arthritis treatments reduce joint pain and swelling, relieve stiffness, improve function and prevent joint  damage.
  • Getting evaluated by a rheumatologist for the development and monitoring of a treatment plan. This will definitely help in living with arthritis.
  • Treatment plans basically need a blend of rest, physical activity, joint protection, use of heat or cold for pain relief, and physical or occupational therapy.
  • Arthritis diet includes pineapples, milk, green leafy vegetables, fruits and fish.
  • Your doctor many prescribe supplements such as calcium, Vitamin D, and glucosamine.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight and maintain a physical activity plan.
  • Use joint stabilizing bandages.
  • Drugs play a very important role in the treatment of arthritis. Drugs may help to reduce joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Your doctor may prescribe such drugs.
  • Surgeries , including arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement surgery, can be beneficial as part of treatment plan, especially for treatment of advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery is the last resort and your doctor will tell you when a surgery may be really required.

 

Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.