Arthritis: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Arthritis, a very common disorder can be found in nearly every age group. It is usually described as joint pain or a disease of the joints. Arthritis has been identified as the leading cause and type of disability. Arthritis has been reported in more than 20,000,000 people. For people with arthritis, exercise and any physical activity can be very strenuous. Arthritis can be described as inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis – What is it?

Arthritis – a disorder of the joint – is characterised by stiffness, inflammation or injury in one or more of the joints. This can lead to general symptoms like pain, swelling and burning sensation. There are more than 200 different forms of arthritis. Due to the nature of the disorder, it is also commonly referred to as ‘wear-and-tear arthritis’.

Arthritis – The different types:

Arthritis can be of over 100 types with Gout, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid being the most common ones. 

The various types of Arthritis are: 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a relatively regular or common type of arthritis. It is caused by the deterioration of the joint’s cartilage that surrounds the bone thus reducing friction. It can cause a severe burning sensation at the joints and also acute pain. Following a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercising regularly without injury-induced and repetitive activities are some ways in which Osteoarthritis can be prevented. This type of arthritis affects older women as well as people who have a history of joint trauma, people who lead sedentary lives or are obese.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an enduring autoimmune disorder that causes persistent inflammation in the joints. In this type of arthritis, the immune system of the person attacks its own cartilage and joint capsule, which is a tough membrane that covers all joint parts. Rheumatoid arthritis is when two opposing bones are damaged, thus affecting the joints of the knees, wrists and elbows. It is most commonly seen in people above the age of 20.

Infectious Arthritis

Another extreme type of arthritis is Infectious arthritis. This type of arthritis is caused by microbial infections and therefore is known as Infectious arthritis. The invasion of pathogens into the joints are the cause for this condition. This may cause swelling, inflammation, and pain. Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Salmonella and Shigella are the microbes that affect the joint thus causing inflammation and swelling. Most of these cases are treated with antibiotics. However, some acute cases of Infectious arthritis could be critical to treat.

Arthritis: What are the symptoms?

In all types of arthritis, pain and burning sensation are common symptoms. Some of the other symptoms are:

Poor sleep

Limping

Deformity of the joints

Tenderness to the joints

The joint can be difficult to move

Malaise and fatigue

Redness and warmth are two of the characteristics of the joints

Muscle aches or pains

The swelling and stiffness in joints

Itchy or painful joints

In rare instances, arthritis can also affect other types of joints and organs in the body. The symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, swelling, reduced aerobic fitness, weakness of muscles, and loss of flexibility.

Arthritis – It’s Causes

There are many causes of arthritis that depend on the type of arthritis.  For instance, Osteoarthritis in women is more common than in men. Arthritis can occur from anything that causes damage to the cartilage.

The following are just a few of the possible causes:

• Ageing
• Imbalanced Diet
• Deficient nutrition
• Immune system attacks
• General wear and tear
• Family genetics
• Infections can affect the joints
• Metabolic abnormalities

Arthritis – How it’s treated:

This condition does not have a complete remedy. There are however many treatments for joint inflammation that can be used. These options will vary according to the type of arthritis. The aim of treatment is to decrease pain and prevent further damage to the joints.  Some of the common treatments for Arthritis are:

• Medication
• Physical Therapy
• Acupressure and massage
• Non-pharmacologic Therapies
• Joint Replacement Surgery

Arthritis – How can it be prevented?

There are many things one can do to avoid arthritis. Some of the various ways to prevent painful conditions like arthritis are to adopt healthy habits like:

• Regular exercise, such as running, walking or swimming, is important
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Consuming food high in Vitamin D 
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoid repetitive actions that cause injuries
• Regularly exercising is good for your joints