Introduction

Joints are formed where bones meet and are covered with lubricated cartilage that allows smooth movement by preventing friction between the bones. Joints may be damaged by injury, infection, or degeneration of bone, cartilage and ligaments caused by aging or disease.

Arthritis is a major cause of disability. On the basis of the characteristics displayed, it is of several different types. It is a disorder that can be prevented, in certain cases, by risk-reduction strategies. Though its considered to be an old age disease, it may also arise in younger people due to accidents or sports injury. Once present, this disorder can be identified at the earliest possible stage. With adequate treatment pain, discomfort and the risk of disability can be reduced.

back to top

Types of arthritis

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout and Pseudogout
• Septic arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type and usually affects middle-aged and older people. It is rare under the age of 45, and increasingly common over the age 60. It is caused due to the gradual degeneration of the cartilage covering the bone ends, and results into normal wear and tear of the joints. It most often involves the knees, hips, and hands. Cervical spondylosis is a form of osteoarthritis affecting the neck joint.

Severe but less common type of damaging and chronic condition is rheumatoid arthritis. In this, the body's immune system attacks and destroys the joint lining making the joints painful, unstable and deformed. It is also known as inflammatory arthritis as it causes inflammation in the joints and other body tissues, such as heart, lungs, and eyes. It is diagnosed most commonly in people aged 25-50, but can also affect people of other age groups including children. In children this condition is known as juvenile arthritis.

Another form of arthritis is chronic ankylosing spondylitis, which affects the spine and the joints between the base of the spine and the pelvis (hipbone). This condition causes the vertebrae (bones of the spine) to fuse together.

Deposition of crystals occurs in a joint in case of both gout and pseudogout, resulting in swelling and pain. Septic arthritis is a rare condition of arthritis that occurs due to infection in a joint, either through a wound or from the bloodstream.

back to top

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain in the joints that worsens with activity,
• Swelling around the joints,
• Restricted joint movements,
• Stiffness, which lasts for a short time after a period of inactivity,
• Restricted neck movement and lower back pain in case of spondylitis,
• Painful small nodules on areas of pressure such as elbows in case of rheumatoid arthritis, and
• Redness of the skin around a joint.

back to top

Causes

Arthritis is caused by several diseases such as gout, scleroderma etc. It can also develop as a complication of another disease caused by virus, bacteria or fungus such as gonorrhea. Sometimes certain autoimmune disorders can also attack healthy parts of the body and result into arthritis.

Arthritis can occur in male and females of all ages including children.

back to top

Diagnosis

The physician will evaluate the disease by diagnosing the symptoms, history of joint problems, family history and a physical examination. X-rays are commonly taken to assess the level of arthritis and its severity. CT Scanning, MRI and EMG may be carried out in case of spondylitis. Doctor may also arrange for the blood test to check the presence of any antibody or antigen that may prove to be the cause arthritis.

back to top

Treatment

Physiotherapy may help in keeping the joints mobile by strengthening the muscles around the damaged joint. It relieves the pain hence is especially beneficial. Regular exercise is equally beneficial for overweight sufferers since too much weight puts more strain on the joints. Severely damaged joints, which cannot be controlled by medications, may be replaced surgically. Hip and knee replacements have today become common, much safer and take hardly any time.

Complementary treatments are also found to relieve the pain of arthritis. They are osteopathy and acupuncture. A healthy diet, which includes more vegetables, bananas and cherries, eases the symptoms of arthritis. Ginger can be included in the diet or taken as a concentrated capsule since it is a natural anti-inflammatory.

It is found that the fatty acids in cod liver oil and other fish oils such as mackerel, herrings, sardines, and salmon, helps in reducing the pain and inflammation of the joints. They reduce the activity of enzymes that are responsible for damaging the protective cartilage. Hence cod liver oil capsules can prove to be a beneficial treatment.

back to top

Prevention

Maintaining a normal weight - Being overweight puts more stress on the weight-bearing joints, and increases the risk for knee pain (and possibly hip pain). Hence, losing a few kgs will help in accomplishing a significant reduction in health risk.

Regular exercises will help in strengthening the muscles around the joints and thus extending their movement. Application of heat and cold to the affected area helps in reducing the swelling and sensitivity to pain. In case of gout, reduction in alcohol consumption will help in reducing the frequency and severity of the attacks.

Awareness of family history about arthritis related conditions might allow early recognition and early treatment of this disorder.

back to top