Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It happens when the cartilage, which cushions the bones, gets damaged. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, and it causes symptoms like redness, swelling, heat, and pain. At first, the pain comes from inflammation, but as the cartilage wears away, the pain often comes from bones rubbing together.

There are four main types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common. It happens when the cartilage in the joints breaks down due to aging, overuse, or injury. This type often affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, causing pain and stiffness. As the disease progresses, bone spurs may form, making the joint even more painful.

Inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus arthritis, occurs when the immune system attacks the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling and pain in many joints, while lupus arthritis can affect multiple organs, including the heart and kidneys, causing joint pain and inflammation. Both conditions can lead to long-term pain and discomfort.

Causes

Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, wear and tear on joints, infections, or emotional and physical stress. Hormonal imbalances, injury, and hereditary factors also play a role. Conditions like septic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis are common causes. Other factors include calcium pyrophosphate deposition, reactive arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Symptoms

The main symptoms include:

• Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
• Restricted movement of the joints
• Warmth and red skin over the affected joint
• Weakness and muscle wasting around the joint

While arthritis has no cure, its symptoms can be effectively managed with a combination of medical care, lifestyle changes, and therapy. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life.

• Medications: NSAIDs and other drugs to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga to improve mobility and strength.
• Weight Loss: Reduces pressure on joints, especially in the knees and hips.
• Surgery: Joint replacement or arthroscopy in severe cases to restore function.
• Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises and techniques to relieve pain and improve movement.