Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or multiple joints, which can lead to long-term damage, causing symptoms of pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity in the joints. As a result, the affected individual cannot use the joint normally or perform his daily activities. When the legs are affected, it can result in a limp while walking. In severe cases where multiple joints are affected, the person may become disabled and immobile.
What are the various types of Arthritis?
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 different forms of arthritis. Some common types include:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis (after a fracture or injury)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (affecting individuals suffering from the skin condition Psoriasis)
- Septic Arthritis (due to bacterial or TB infection).
“OA is the most typical type of Arthritis. It is often seen with advancing age as constant wear and tear results in joint degeneration. This form of Arthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, ankles, feet, and hands,” said Dr Siddharth Shah, Consultant Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon, SL. Raheja Hospital, Mahim.
“RA is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its joints and organs, resulting in inflammation and damage,” He added.
“Most cases of RA often begin in the small joints like hands and feet and are typically symmetrical. It can also affect larger joints like the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and ankles on one hand, and damage vital organs like eyes, lungs, liver, blood vessels, kidneys, and the heart on the other hand,” said Dr Shah.
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How is Arthritis treated and diagnosed?
To diagnose Arthritis, a doctor will clinically assess the patient and may order investigations like X-rays, blood tests, or MRI to arrive at a diagnosis. While history and clinical examination are paramount in the diagnosis, investigations help to confirm the same.
The initial treatment for OA is centred around lifestyle changes and muscle-strengthening exercises. Painkillers may also be prescribed to help control acute pain, but their long-term consumption must be avoided to prevent side effects. Also, certain injections like Hyaluronic acid, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), or steroids can help control symptoms and relieve pain. Further, advanced cases with severe joint destruction usually require reconstructive surgery like knee or hip replacement.
Inflammatory Arthritis like RA can be well-controlled with specific antirheumatic medications or biological drugs, if treatment is started promptly. However, reconstructive surgery is usually required in advanced cases with severe joint deformity and destruction.
What preventive measures can be employed to reduce the risk of Arthritis?
When left untreated, Arthritis may worsen and affect your day-to-day life. According to Dr Shah, simple lifestyle changes like the ones mentioned below can go a long way in reducing the risk of this condition.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight prevents overloading of the joints and protects them from wear and tear.
- Regular beneficial exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming, which help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength, are highly recommended. These activities should be done for about thirty minutes daily and three to four times weekly.
- Smoking increases the risk of many types of Arthritis and should be avoided.
- Further, diabetes can also increase the risk of knee OA, so controlling blood sugar levels is vital for diabetic patients.
- If you are into outdoor sports, preventing sports-related injuries can help protect you from Arthritis later in life.
- A healthy and balanced diet can go a long way in preventing or controlling arthritic symptoms.
“It is a myth that OA, which occurs due to wear and tear, is inevitable with age. An active, healthy lifestyle can successfully help prevent or delay it. Autoimmune Arthritis like RA can be well controlled with medications if treatment is started promptly”, Dr Shah concluded.
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Most importantly, seeking timely medical attention, strict adherence to treatment and regular follow-up can prevent the severe and disabling consequences of Arthritis and help the affected person lead a productive and active life.