Understanding The Main Cause Of Arthritis And Its Different Types - Dr Girish Kakade

Arthritis is recognized as an inflammation of the joints that is accompanied by pain, stiffness, oedema, and tenderness. Joint discomfort is the main symptom, and it can seriously impair our quality of life. There are many different kinds of arthritis, and each has its own causes and symptoms.

Main Cause of Arthritis

Arthritis can result from various factors, including age, immune system malfunctions, infections, and more. The primary underlying cause of arthritis often depends on its specific type. However, the general cause involves the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones in joints, which leads to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.

There are different types of arthritis, but they can broadly be categorized into two main types: Osteoarthritis and Inflammatory Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, often referred to as a degenerative joint disease. It typically affects older adults, usually those aged 50-60 years and above. These types of arthritis occur when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis is commonly characterized by stiffness, which is most obvious in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and discomfort in the joints, especially during or after movement. A loss of flexibility that makes it challenging to move the affected joint through its complete range of motion is also frequently observed, along with soreness and swelling around the affected joints.

Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation in the joints. This type of arthritis includes several specific conditions, each with unique symptoms and triggers.

Common Types of Inflammatory Arthritis

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis - A chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the small joints in the hands and feet. It causes painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

2. Psoriatic Arthritis - An inflammatory joint condition that affects some people with psoriasis, characterized by red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.

3. Ankylosing Spondylitis - A type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can be involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.

4. Post-Viral Arthritis - Another form of inflammatory arthritis is post-viral arthritis, which occurs after a viral infection. It is characterized by joint swelling and stiffness that can last for months or longer.

Inflammatory arthritis commonly manifests as joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the morning, as well as swelling and soreness in several joints and a protracted morning stiffness that lasts more than half an hour. Fatigue, fever, and weight loss are possible side effects in extreme cases.

If one exhibit any symptoms of arthritis, it is crucial to consult your doctor. These tests help to diagnose the type and severity of arthritis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment

Many strategies are available for treating arthritis, all aimed at reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Commonly given medications include anti-inflammatory medicines, analgesics, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs); biologic treatments are used to treat severe inflammatory arthritis.

Regular exercise and physical treatment can help preserve joint function and lessen discomfort. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and keeping a healthy weight are just a few examples of lifestyle modifications that can help with symptoms. In severe circumstances, joint replacement surgery may be required, especially in people with osteoarthritis who have considerable joint degeneration.

Many people think that there are serious negative effects from drugs or that there is no viable treatment for inflammatory arthritis. Nonetheless, individuals can now effectively control their disease and lead normal lives thanks to innovative medicines.

Medication side effects are uncommon and are frequently controllable by changing the dosage. Prompt identification and intervention are essential to stop arthritis from getting worse and to avoid serious side effects such as necessitating joint replacement surgery. Seek immediate medical attention if you have chronic joint pain or stiffness.

For arthritis to be effectively managed and treated, it is essential to understand its primary causes and varieties. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, each with unique symptoms and causes. Patients with arthritis can have much better lives if they see their doctor early and receive the right diagnosis and treatment.