Arthritis pain and stiffness sets in when the cartilage in the body joints wears away. The cartilage is responsible for absorbing shock for the bones and then allows them to glide smoothly when we move. Now it is obvious that if there is any problem in the cartilage, we feel it in the form of pain.
Among people suffering from arthritis all over the world, 60% are women.
In a body, arthritis can affect one joint, multiple joints, or all the joints. The disease is of so many types, but the most common ones are (RA) Rheumatoid Arthritis and (OA) Osteoarthritis. Arthritis mostly occurs in people who are 50 years of age or above, but it can also develop in a child, teenager, or adult. One very common reason behind Arthritis is obesity. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from Arthritis.
Now coming to:
What exactly causes Arthritis?
In order to understand what causes arthritis, we will have to understand what a cartilage is? The cartilage, according to Google, “is a very flexible and firm connective tissue found in various forms in the larynx and respiratory tract, in structures such as the external ear, and in the articulating surfaces of joints.”
The joints are protected by the cartilage which absorbs all the pressure and shocks created by the joints. If there is any reduction in the cartilage in joints, they will no more hold the pressure and will ultimately lead to Arthritis.
What causes Osteoarthritis?
OA is normally caused by any injuries or infections in the joints due to which we lose the cartilage tissues. People with a history of diseases are more likely to suffer from Osteoarthritis in later age.
What causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
This is the most common form of Arthritis and is caused by disorders in autoimmunity. In RA, the immune system starts attacking its own tissues and results in causing Arthritis. The tissues attacked by the immune system affect the synovium which is a soft tissue in the joints. Synovium is responsible for producing a fluid in the joints in order to nourish the joints.
Scientists haven’t found yet that why the immune system starts attacking the tissues.
Common symptoms of Arthritis?
• Pain, swelling, stiffness, or tenderness in the joints
• Joints that are red or warm to the touch
• Sausages-like swelling in one or more of your fingers or toes
• Pain in and around the feet and ankles
• Thick red patches on the skin that often have a silvery scale
• Joint inflammation
• Slight fever
• Loss of appetite
How can Arthritis be diagnosed?
The health care professionals will diagnoses Arthritis by analyzing the:
Medical & Family History
The evaluation process starts with asking the:
• Symptoms (when and how exactly you started feeling pain)
• Current, recent and past health (From how long have you been sick in the present and the past)
• Health habits (Do you smoke, drink alcohol, over-weight or a diabetic)
• Family history (Is there any family member suffering from arthritis)
• Physical exam (Where exactly you have visible signs of Arthritis)
• Imaging tests (like lab test, X-rays, MRI, CT Scan or Ultrasound)
Arthritis Treatment
The main goal for medical professionals who treats Arthritis is to reduce the pain that you might be experiencing so that no further damage is caused in the joints. In order to treat Arthritis in the best possible way, the doctor may follow a method combining:
Medications
The medications may include:
• Analgesics, e.g., hydrocodone (Vicodin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). The medication is very effective in reducing pain but won’t be too helpful in decreasing the inflammation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), e.g., ibuprofen. It is known for reducing the pain as well as inflammation.
• Menthol or capsaicin creams. It blocks the transmission of pain signals from the joints.
Surgery
Patients with a severe stage of Arthritis, it is recommended to replace the joints with an artificial one. The surgery is most commonly performed in Hip and Knee replacement.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a very common disease but it can ruin your life and lifestyle. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult your medical professional the moment you feel any symptom in your body. When it comes to taking medications, it is recommended to go for the herbal medicine for arthritis for joint pain relief.