Arthritis or joint inflammation is a common but chronic disease that mainly causes pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement in the joints. It can affect not only the elderly, but also young or middle-aged people. If not treated at the right time, this disease gradually negatively affects walking, work, and even the meaning of daily life. Today we will know what arthritis is, its causes, symptoms, and detailed information about its treatment.
What is arthritis?
The word “arthritis” comes from the Greek words “arthro” (joint) and “itis” (inflammation), which means “inflammation of the joint”.
There are more than 200 joints in the human body, which connect the bones. Soft tissue (cartilage) between these joints reduces friction between the bones and helps them move easily. When this cartilage deteriorates or becomes inflamed, arthritis occurs.
Currently, more than 100 types of arthritis have been identified, but the two most common are:
1. Osteoarthritis
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Causes of arthritis
The causes of arthritis depend on its type, but some common causes are mentioned below:
1. Age-related factors
With age, the cartilage in the bones and joints deteriorates, which is one of the main causes of osteoarthritis.
2. Genetic or hereditary factors
If someone in the family has arthritis, the risk of developing this disease in other members increases.
3. Immune system imbalance
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, resulting in inflammation.
4. Previous injury or trauma
If there is an injury to the knee or ankle, there is a higher chance of arthritis developing in that area in the future.
5. Excess weight or obesity
Being overweight puts extra pressure on the joints of the knees, hips, and ankles, which can damage the joints.
6. Infection
Some bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation in the joints and cause Infectious Arthritis.
7. Autoimmune Disorder
In some cases, the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues, resulting in long-term inflammation.
Types of Arthritis
1. Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type. Cartilage wears down due to age and causes bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. It usually occurs more in the knees, hips, hands, or neck.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks the synovium (inner layer) of the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and deformity.
3. Gout
The accumulation of uric acid in the body causes crystals to form in the joints, which causes sudden severe pain and swelling.
4. Psoriatic arthritis
This type of arthritis is seen in many people who have a skin disease called psoriasis.
5. Infectious arthritis
Inflammation of the joints occurs due to bacterial or viral infection.
Symptoms of arthritis
The main symptoms of arthritis are:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Difficulty or limitation in movement
- Joint stiffness upon waking in the morning
- Redness and warmth around the joint
- Chronic fatigue and weakness
- Joint deformity (especially in rheumatoid arthritis)
If these symptoms last for more than a few weeks, then you should immediately consult the best orthopedic doctor in Bangladesh.
Arthritis Diagnosis
To diagnose arthritis, doctors do the following tests:
- Blood test: Checks for rheumatoid factor, uric acid, or C-reactive protein (CRP).
- X-ray: Shows signs of joint space loss or bone loss.
- MRI or CT scan: To assess cartilage and soft tissue damage in the joint.
- Joint Fluid Analysis: To assess fluid within the joint for infection or the presence of uric acid.
Arthritis Treatment
The treatment of arthritis is primarily aimed at controlling pain and inflammation, and restoring joint function. The treatment methods are detailed below:
1. Physiotherapy and exercise
Regular physiotherapy helps maintain normal joint movement. Walking, light stretching, and swimming are very beneficial.
2. Lifestyle changes
- Keeping weight under control
- Eating nutritious foods
- Getting enough rest and reducing stress
- Using cold or hot compresses
3. Injection therapy
In some cases, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections are given into the joint to reduce pain.
4. Surgery
When medication or therapy does not provide relief, surgery is required
- Joint Replacement Surgery: The knee or hip joint is replaced.
- Arthroscopy: Damaged cartilage is cleaned.
- Joint Fusion: The damaged joint is fixed.
Diet and lifestyle
Diet plays an important role in controlling arthritis. The following foods are beneficial
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, olive oil)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding low-salt and processed foods
- Drinking enough water
It is also important to maintain adequate sleep and mental peace.
Things to do to prevent arthritis
- Exercise regularly.
- Sit and walk in the right posture.
- Keep excess weight under control.
- Seek prompt treatment for joint injuries.
- See an orthopedic doctor regularly, especially if you have long-term joint pain.
Conclusion
Arthritis is not a trivial disease, it can gradually destroy the joints and reduce the quality of life. However, it is completely possible to control this disease with awareness, proper lifestyle and timely treatment.
If you experience pain or swelling in the joints, do not neglect it and contact an orthopedic doctor immediately. Because, if you start treatment at the initial stage, arthritis can be completely controlled and you can lead a normal life.
