Arthritis refers to redness and swelling (inflammation) in the joints. Joints are found where 2 or more bones meet in the body.
What are the causes of arthritis disease?
The underlying cause of the disease depends on the type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear, tear, or overuse of the joint over time. Scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis cause the body’s immune system to attack the body’s own tissues. Gout is caused by the accumulation of crystals in the joints. Some types of arthritis are caused by genetic reasons. The underlying cause of some types of arthritis is unknown.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
Feeling of stiffness in 1 or more joints
Problems in performing normal movements in 1 or more joints
Persistent or repeated pain in 1 or more joints
Swelling in 1 or more joints
Warmth and redness in 1 or more joints
How is arthritis diagnosed?
X-ray or other imaging tests: It is used to determine the level of damage in the joint.
Urine test: The presence of protein and different types of blood cells in the urine is checked.
HLA tissue typing: With this test, genetic markers that increase the risk of ankylosing spondylitis are investigated.
Skin biopsy: Small tissue samples are taken and examined under a microscope to gather information to help diagnose diseases such as lupus and psoriatic arthritis.
Muscle biopsy: Small muscle tissue taken from the patient is examined under a microscope to diagnose conditions affecting the muscles.
How is arthritis treated?
Although there is no cure to completely eliminate arthritis, the goal of treatment is usually to limit pain, inflammation, and restore joint function.
Short-term treatments
Medicines: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can provide short-term relief for pain and inflammation.
Application of hot and cold: Pain can be relieved by using moist heat (warm bath or shower) or dry heat (heating pad) on the joint. Applying cold (ice pack wrapped in a towel) on the joint may help in cases such as pain and swelling.
Immobilization of joints: The use of splints or other equipment helps the joints rest and can protect the joint from further injury.
Massage: A light massage to be applied to painful muscles can increase the temperature and blood flow in the muscle.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): The TENS device can block the pain signals going to the brain and reduce the perception of pain by sending mild, electrical signals to the nerve endings in the painful area.
Acupuncture: In this method, natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the nervous system are produced with fine needles placed at certain points of the body.
Long-term treatments
Corticosteroids: Oral or injectable corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can reduce inflammation and swelling.
Hyaluronic acid therapy: Hyaluronic acid is a joint fluid whose amount decreases in the damaged joint in osteoarthritis patients. It can be injected into the joints to relieve symptoms.
Antirheumatic drugs: Antirheumatic drugs can slow down the disease and treat immune system problems that may occur due to the disease. Drugs such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and chlorambucil are in this class.
Operation: There are many different types of surgery that can be performed depending on the affected joint. Complete recovery after surgery can take up to 6 months. Postoperative rehabilitation program is an important part of treatment.
