Managing Arthritis: Tips for Easing Pain and Improving Mobility

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joints where two or more bones meet. It affects people of all ages. It is usually seen in women than men. Most commonly affected body parts are knees, hands and back.

Types of arthritis:

There are several types of arthritis. Some of them include

Osteoarthritis: It is the most common type of arthritis. Any previous inflammation or fracture to the joints can lead to OA. Bones in the affected joints become weaker and in some cases the synovial fluid between the bones decreases causing the bones to touch each other which leads to extreme pain in the joints. Synovial fluid is the thick fluid between the joints which reduces friction during movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune condition in which the body's own immune system attacks the healthy cells. It can also damage other organs like eyes, skin, lungs and heart. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in the middle age.

Inflammatory arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis is inflammation in joints caused by hyperactive immune system. This could involve multiple joints at a time throughout the body or affect just one joint.

Gout: Gout is caused by higher levels of uric acid deposits in the joints in the form of crystals. It causes pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints. It usually occurs with severe pain in the big toe.

Symptoms include: The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis include

• Pain in the joints

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• Redness

• Decreased flexibility

• Difficulty to perform daily activities

Causes of arthritis:

• OA involves wear and tear of the bones

• Decreased synovial fluid

• Genetic factors

• Arthritis increases with age

• Women are more likely to develop arthritis

• Previous injury or fracture to the joints

• Obesity or morbid obesity

• Smoking could increase the risk of arthritis

How to ease the pain and improve mobility:

• Regular exercise can keep the joints flexible

• Losing weight can reduce the pressure on joints

• Avoid sitting on the floor

• Avoid taking the stairs

• Using knee pads can help in performing daily tasks

• Physiotherapy treatment

• Pain medication: OTC drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin can help to ease the pain

• Healthy lifestyle

• Using heat and cold packs

Diagnosis and tests:

A physical examination will be done to check for the inflammation and pain in the joints. The health care provider must be informed about the onset and duration of symptoms. Few types of tests detect the problems which include:

X Ray: X Rays are often used to detect how the disease progresses. X Rays can show damage to the bones and cartilage loss.

CT Scan: Computed tomography can visualize both bone and surrounding soft tissues.

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging combine radio waves with a strong magnetic field to produce more detailed images of soft tissues

Ultrasound: This uses high frequency sound waves to capture the images. Ultrasound is also used to inject needles into the joints for giving medication.

Treatment: There is no treatment for arthritis but certain medications can manage the symptoms

• Over the counter (OTC) medication like non-steroidal anti inflammatory(NSAIDS) drugs can reduce pain and inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

• Corticosteroids like cortisone and prednisone reduces swelling and pain. This can be given in the form of pills or injections.

• Physiotherapy helps in improving bone strength

• If the joints are damaged extremely, surgeries like arthroplasty (joint replacement) is needed.