Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age.
Symptoms:
- Pain.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Weakness of movement.
Arthritis Risk Factors:
- Family history: Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder. Your genes can make you more susceptible to environmental factors that may trigger arthritis.
- Age: The risk of many types of arthritis — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout — increases with age.
- Your sex: Women are more likely than are men to develop arthritis.
- Previous joint injury: People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.
- Obesity: Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine. Obese people have a higher risk of developing arthritis.
Complications:
Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed.
Diagnosis:
- Lab tests:
Examining and analyzing various body fluids could help identify inflammation type.
Body fluids to be examined and analyzed are:
- Blood.
- Urine.
- Joint fluid.
Imaging:
- X-Ray imaging.
- CT scan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Ultrasound.
Treatment:
Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function.
Medication:
- Analgesic drug: This type of medication helps to ease the pain, but it does not affect the inflammation.
- Non - Steroidal Anti - Inflammatory Drug (NASID).
- Corticosteroid.
Physical therapy: Can be helpful for some types of arthritis. Exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding joints. In some cases, splints or braces may be warranted.
Surgery: If conservative measures don't help, doctors may suggest surgery, such as:
- Synovectomy
- Joint replacement.
- Joint fusion.
Related links:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/home/ovc-20168903
http://patient.info/health/osteoarthritis-leaflet