Health

Understanding The Symptoms, Causes And Diagnosis Of Arthritis

By Suborna Fermi 22 Sep, 2023 100

Nowadays most old adults are facing arthritis issues, which is a condition that mainly affects the joints. People with arthritis experience severe joint pain especially in the morning. There are different types of arthritis, and each of them needs different treatments. 

What is arthritis? 

Arthritis involves a group of conditions that affects the joints (where two or more joints connect) and the tissues around them. These conditions mainly cause inflammation or degeneration of the joints which contributes to severe pain. Most people with arthritis experience pain in the knees, hands, feet, lower back and hips.   

What are the symptoms of arthritis? 

Inflammation or stiffness of the joints are the major symptoms of an arthritic condition. However, the symptoms depend on the type of arthritis you have. Some common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

  • Fatigue

  • Low-grade fever

  • Morning stiffness of the joints that lasts more than 30 minutes

  • Inflammation of two or more joints

  • Low red blood cell count

  • Inflammation of the heart muscle and blood vessel

What are the causes of arthritis? 

Different types of arthritis conditions have distinct causes. The potential causes include:

  • Being over the age of 50

  • Having a previous joint injury

  • Having metabolic disorder  

  • Having autoimmune disorder

  • Having a family history of arthritis

  • Poor Muscle health

  • Being overweight

  • Having lyme disease 

What are the risk factors? 

There are certain risk factors of arthritis which increases the chance of developing arthritis. The risk factors are: 

  • Age: The risk of having arthritis increases as we grow older. 

  • Weight: People who are overweight are at a risk of developing arthritis, because excess weight can put pressure on the joints. 

  • Sex: Certain types of arthritis are more common in women. 

  • Lifestyle: Some lifestyle habits including lack of physical activities and smoking can increase your risk of developing arthritis. 

How is arthritis diagnosed?    

If you are experiencing frequent joint pain then visit your doctor. Your healthcare adviser might want to know about your symptoms and your lifestyle. Then your doctor may suggest an arthritis profile blood test and imaging tests.

An arthritis profile test detects rheumatoid arthritis and gout by checking for inflammatory proteins and uric acid in blood. An arthritis profile test price varies from laboratory to laboratory. Imaging tests including X-ray, ultrasound and MRI are advised to the patients to get a clear picture of your bones and joints. 

What is the treatment of arthritis? 

Unfortunately, there is no permanent treatment for arthritis. However, many treatment options are available to manage your condition. The treatment of arthritis mainly depends on the type and severity of your condition. Common treatments include:

  • Medication: Your doctor might suggest taking biologics for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medicines are also suggested to help in reducing the severity of your symptoms. 

  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy is highly recommended to arthritis patients. This will help in improving mobility and strength. 

Due to the fact that there is no permanent treatment for arthritis, you need to manage your condition for the rest of your life.