If you have recurring pain in your joints that improves with activity, you could have some form of arthritis. The following guide offers a general overview of the condition and various approaches to arthritis treatment.
An Introduction to Arthritis
What is arthritis?
Arthritis describes a broad category of symptoms and conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 54.4 million people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. Although it’s typically associated with seniors, this condition can affect people at any age. In fact, even children can develop arthritis as an autoimmune response.
What are the different types?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s also called degenerative arthritis, as the cartilage that cushions a joint slowly deteriorates over time. This condition is more common among older individuals and people who have experienced repetitive stress to their joints, such as someone who operates a jackhammer at work.
Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after a fracture or joint injury. The articular can be damaged when a fracture extends into the joint. If a fracture near a joint causes a malalignment then the joint can also be subjected to abnormal stresses that cause arthritis.
Septic arthritis occurs with joint infection. The infection causes inflammation and can destroy the joint cartilage. This type of arthritis should be treated urgently to minimize joint damage.
Inflammatory arthritis is a large category and includes conditions that are usually chronic and involve an autoimmune response. This type usually affects more than 1 joint. Some of the most common examples of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and lupus erythematosus. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and various treatments are needed for each.
What are some common symptoms?
Joint pain is the most common symptom for all types of arthritis, and most people also experience joint stiffness. Additionally, inflammatory arthritis can manifest systemically and produce other symptoms, such as visible inflammation and redness, joints that are hot to the touch, fevers, rashes, and fatigue.
Certain types of arthritis can also affect your eyes, heart, liver, and other organs, so you must work with your doctor to track disease progression and avoid complications by monitoring antibody levels and other blood markers. A comprehensive approach to arthritis treatment can significantly delay or prevent joint damage, which could otherwise become permanent or require surgery.
How is arthritis treated?
People with arthritis often use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam, to help relieve pain and control joint swelling. Some might also use topical treatments, which typically contain capsaicin, salicylates, menthol, camphor, cannabidiol, or an anesthetic.
Exercise is crucial for people who have arthritis because it helps strengthen the muscles around joints and improve mobility. To reap the greatest benefits, try a low-impact routine, such as strength training, elliptical machines, bicycles, swimming or yoga. Weight management is also important as reducing weight can decrease stress across painful joints. Some people find an anti-inflammatory diet helpful.
Therapeutic injections of hyaluronic acid or steroid can also be used successfully for arthritis treatment. Hyaluronic acid helps to lubricate and cushion the joints, and steroid can reduce tissue inflammation. Some patients with autoimmune forms of arthritis might also use immunosuppressants, such as hydroxychloroquine, adalimumab, or methotrexate, to manage their disease.
If you have arthritis or a cartilage injury, Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ, can help you control symptoms, alleviate joint pain and stiffness, and enjoy a greater quality of life. Dr. Cherise M. Dyal will work with you to develop a care plan that addresses your needs and prevents further damage. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
