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Writer's pictureNeetu Ghodke

Arthritis


Swelling of ankle joints CDC, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

When inflammation is related to joints it is called arthritis.

Types of arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis- Affects joints in hands, knee, hips, and spine. Bones and the cartilage surrounding them become weak.

2. Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis- The immune system malfunctions and loses the ability to distinguish between foreign substances and its own cells, Common examples are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis (joint pain along with skin condition), spondyloarthritis (when arthritis affects the spine), and juvenile arthritis (arthritis for kids under 16 years of age).

3, Infectious arthritis - It occurs if infection from another site spreads to the joint, It affects a single joint.

4. Gout- It occurs if uric acid crystal concentration increases in joints.

Common Symptoms of arthritis

  • swelling

  • tenderness

  • redness

  • Stiffness and limited joint mobility

Common Causes

  1. Age

  2. Sex

  3. Occupation

  4. Genetics

  5. History of live births

  6. Obesity

  7. Injuries or accidents

  8. Diet

  9. certain metabolic diseases like e.g. hemochromatosis and adipokines

Diagnosis - X-rays, MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, and lab diagnosis.


Medications and Treatment

1. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) used for inflammation

2. Topical ointments for reducing pain and swelling

3. Steroids -corticosteroids like prednisone

3, Physiotherapy

4. Surgery is the last option if drugs are not working.







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