Arthritis
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Here’s an overview of its aspects:
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Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon, is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations tailored to individual needs. By addressing inflammation, managing symptoms, and optimizing joint function, individuals with arthritis can improve their quality of life and maintain their independence and mobility for as long as possible.
Symptoms of arthritis may include:
Joint Pain: Persistent pain or tenderness in one or more joints, typically worsened by movement or weight-bearing activities.
Swelling: Swelling, warmth, or redness around the affected joints, indicating inflammation.
Stiffness: Stiffness and decreased range of motion in the joints, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Joint Deformity: Changes in joint shape or alignment, such as the development of nodules or bony growths (osteophytes).
Fatigue: Generalized fatigue or malaise, often associated with chronic pain and inflammation.
The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type, but common factors may include:
Genetics: Inherited genetic factors may predispose individuals to certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage, as seen in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Age: Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is often associated with aging and wear-and-tear of the joints over time.
Joint Injury: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures, ligament tears, or repetitive stress injuries, can increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Infections: Certain bacterial or viral infections can trigger inflammatory arthritis, such as reactive arthritis or Lyme disease.
Treatment options for arthritis aim to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function, and may include:
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologic agents may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Exercises, stretching, and strengthening activities prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve joint flexibility, stability, and function.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, low-impact exercise, joint protection techniques, and assistive devices can help reduce stress on the joints and improve overall function.
Joint Injections: Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid may be recommended to provide localized pain relief and reduce inflammation.
Surgery: In severe cases of arthritis, joint replacement surgery, such as knee or hip replacement, may be necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility.