.webp)
Causes of Arthritis
Here are some general causes and factors that can contribute to arthritis:
Genetics: Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, have a genetic component. Certain genetic variations can make individuals more susceptible to developing these conditions.
Age: The risk of developing arthritis increases with age. Osteoarthritis, for example, is more common in older adults due to wear and tear on joints over time.
Joint Injury: Injuries or trauma to joints, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of developing arthritis later in life. This is particularly true for osteoarthritis.
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, especially weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. This can lead to accelerated wear and tear and an increased risk of osteoarthritis.
Infection: Some infections can trigger inflammatory forms of arthritis. For example, bacterial infections (e.g., Lyme disease) and viral infections (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C) can sometimes lead to reactive arthritis.
Autoimmune Disorders: In autoimmune arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of an autoimmune arthritis where the immune system attacks the synovium (joint lining).
Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like gout, where there is an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, can cause episodes of severe joint inflammation.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, primarily affecting the joints. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. This condition can affect any joint but commonly impacts the hands, knees, hips, and spine. OA typically worsens over time and can severely limit mobility and flexibility.
Symptoms:
Diagnosing osteoarthritis usually involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (like X-rays), and sometimes laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. Non-pharmacological approaches such as exercise, physical therapy, and weight management are crucial. Pain management often includes over-the-counter or prescription medications like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In more severe cases, injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid directly into the joint may provide relief. In cases where joint damage is extensive, surgical interventions such as joint replacement may be considered to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage and deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA affects the lining of joints (synovium), causing swelling that can erode cartilage and bone over time. This chronic condition often affects multiple joints simultaneously and can also involve other organs such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests (such as rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies), and imaging studies (like X-rays and ultrasound) to assess joint damage. Early and aggressive treatment is crucial to manage symptoms, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life.
Medications:
Physical Therapy:
Lifestyle and Home Remedies:
Surgery:
Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
The most common types include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other types include gout, lupus arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Symptoms vary depending on the type but often include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. Some types may also cause fatigue and systemic symptoms.
Causes can vary by type. Osteoarthritis is often due to wear and tear on joints over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints.
Risk factors include age (more common as people get older), genetics, joint injuries, obesity, and certain occupations that stress joints.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, medical history, imaging tests (like X-rays or MRIs), and sometimes blood tests to rule out other conditions.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve joint function, and slow disease progression. It can include medications (such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and disease-modifying drugs), physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.
Severe arthritis can lead to chronic pain, disability, joint deformity, and in some cases, affect other organs or systems in the body.
Oncology
Neurology
Gastroenterology
Pulmonology
Liver Transplant
Urology
Orthopedics
Cardiology
040 6700 0000 
040 6700 0111
Doctor
Speciality