Arthritis is a chronic disease that causes severe inflammation in joints and its surrounding areas. There are more than 100 types of arthritis reported so far which have different symptoms and require different treatment procedures. Though the symptoms of the arthritis appear gradually, they may also occur suddenly in some conditions. Although the disease is more frequent in adults over the age of 60, children and teens are also prone to the disorder.
Major Causes Of Arthritis:
Arthritis occurs due to excessive breakdown of cartilages. Cartilage is an important element that offers protection to the joints and support them to ensure smooth functioning. Cartilages absorbs shock on the joints and in the absence of these elements the bones may get damaged due to friction. This results in severe pain in joints and associated areas. Different types of arthritis may present different types of signs and symptoms. Some of the most common types of arthritis include Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Gouty arthritis and Osteoarthritits.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis :
There are several signs and symptoms that characterizes arthritis other than inflammation. The following are the primary symptoms of Arthritis:
- Rednes
- Swollen joint that’s tender and warm to the touch
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Loss of joint function
Apart from the symptoms listed here, patients may also experience symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and headaches during an arthritis attack.
Complete Diagnosis Of Arthritis:
Doctors conduct numerous tests to diagnose and establish the disease. The diagnosis is performed to check any occurrence of bony swellings and joint cracks. A blood test is also performed to establish the presence of any other type of arthritis symptom. Following are some tests performed to diagnose the disease:
- X-rays
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- A computerised tomography (CT) scan
- An ultrasound
- Synovial fluid analysis
- A biopsy
- A urine test
Treatment Medication:
Doctors may suggest some alternative therapies and medication to treat arthritis. These therapies include physiotherapy and occupational therapy and should be done under the expert supervision of a trained doctor or physiotherapist. In addition to these therapies, medication is also a recommended way to treat Arthritis. Doctors may prescribe some effective drugs such as Arthrotec, Celebrex, Myochrysine and Durolane to treat the arthritis in the best manner possible. Before staring the medication you must consult your doctor and ask him about possible side effects and ingredient reactions of the drugs.