Understanding Arthritis: Types, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness, affecting millions of people worldwide. Often misunderstood as a single disease, arthritis is actually a broad term that refers to joint inflammation and includes over 100 different conditions. In this blog, we'll break down the types of arthritis, common symptoms, and available treatment options to help you manage or prevent its progression.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It can affect people of all ages, but is most common among older adults. While arthritis is often chronic, early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve quality of life.
Common Types of Arthritis
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Cause: Wear and tear of cartilage over time.
- Who it affects: Typically adults over 50, but younger individuals may also be affected due to joint injuries or genetics.
- Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning or after activity), swelling, and reduced flexibility.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Cause: An autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks healthy joint tissues.
- Who it affects: More common in women and can begin at any age.
- Symptoms: Persistent joint pain, swelling, warmth, and fatigue. RA often affects joints on both sides of the body.
3. Gout
- Cause: Build-up of uric acid crystals in joints, often linked to diet and kidney function.
- Symptoms: Sudden, severe joint pain (especially in the big toe), redness, and tenderness.
4. Psoriatic Arthritis
- Cause: Associated with psoriasis (a skin condition); autoimmune in nature.
- Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and skin changes (scaly patches).
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Cause: Chronic inflammation mainly affecting the spine.
- Symptoms: Back pain, stiffness, and in severe cases, fusion of spinal vertebrae.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
- Persistent joint pain or tenderness
- Swelling around one or more joints
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Reduced range of motion
- Redness or warmth around the joints
- Fatigue (especially in autoimmune types)
How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?
- Medical history and physical exam
- X-rays or MRI scans to detect joint damage
- Blood tests to identify inflammation markers or specific antibodies
- Joint fluid analysis
Treatment Options
- Medication: pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying agents
- Physiotherapy and guided exercise to protect joint function
- Lifestyle changes such as weight management and low-impact activity
- Injections for targeted relief
- Surgery, including joint replacement, when the joint is severely damaged
If joint pain is limiting your daily life, an early orthopaedic consultation at Aryav Super Speciality Hospital can help you understand the cause and the right treatment path.