Arthritis

Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis means inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. It describes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness.

Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, redness, heat, and swelling in your joints. If you have arthritis, it is important for your doctor to diagnose the type of arthritis you have so that you can get the proper treatment.

Arthritis can affect people's quality of life due to pain and immobility. It can lead to problems with sleep, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Some types of arthritis also increase the risk of developing other chronic conditions such as lung disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The cause depends on the type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the joint over time or because of overuse. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma are caused by the body's immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Gout is caused by the buildup of crystals in the joints.

  • Control your blood sugar.
  • Exercise.
  • Stretch.
  • Avoid injury.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Eat fish twice a week.
  • Get routine preventive care.
  • Stay at a healthy weight. Extra pounds put pressure on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees.
  • Obesity.
  • Joint injuries.
  • Repeated stress on the joint.
  • Genetics.
  • Bone deformities.
  • Certain metabolic diseases.
  • Sex. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, though it isn't clear why.
  • Older age. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?
  • Medications. Short-term relief for pain and inflammation may include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Heat and cold.
  • Joint immobilization.
  • Massage.
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
  • Acupuncture.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

They include arthroscopy, synovectomy, osteotomy, and total joint replacement. All of these offer relief from pain, and joint replacement can improve both stability and mobility.

 

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