Arthritis is a disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage. Patients suffering from it feel pain and stiffness in the body. Arthritis can be found in men, women and even children. It affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. It describes a condition in which joints are painful and stiff. If the joints are red or swollen, then it is called as inflammatory arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that usually affects elderly patients.
Causes of Arthritis:
The exact cause of arthritis is still not known. However, ample of risk factors are associated with the condition of arthritis. Few causes of Arthritis are listed below:
- Injury
- Abnormal metabolism such as gout
- Infections
- Autoimmune disease
- Obesity
- Excessive body weight
Apart from this, doctors say that even genetic variations may be the cause of this disease.
Arthritis Signs & Symptoms :
The general symptoms of this condition include pain and difficulty in moving joints. Inflammation of the joints is identified by signs 
of swelling, redness, stiffness and warmth. Some of the forms of arthritis may even result in symptoms affecting other body organs. Other signs of arthritis include fever, swelling in glands, weight loss, fatigue and abnormality in lung, heart or kidney.
Tests and Diagnosis of Arthritis:
Most of the people experience pain at some point of time. These may not be the signs of arthritis. You must follow the advice of your health care specialist to determine whether you have the signs of arthritis or not. Your doctor will examine your joints for swelling or redness and suggest tests. Based on the type of arthritis suspected, you are advised to undergo tests like CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc.
Treatment of Arthritis and the Medicines Used:
The prime objective of Arthritis treatment is to minimize pain, prevent joint damage and enhance joint function. Early diagnosis can prevent irreversible damage and disability among people. Exercise, proper diet, physical therapy and drugs are some of the treatments recommended by the doctors. If these measures do not work, doctors may even suggest surgery like joint replacement and joint fusion.
On the basis of medical conditions and drug tolerance of an individual, doctors can also recommend treatments such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Arthritis medications are quite effective in helping people to reduce joint pain and other signs. Some of the drugs prescribed to treat arthritis include Celebrex, Naproxin, Durolane and Myochrysine.