Arthritis is a very common chronic disease which is characterised by the inflammation of the lining of joints in your body which can lead to disability and loss of function. It is the leading cause of disability. It progresses in 3 stages:
Stage 1: Swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint.
Stage 2: Rapid division and growth of cells which causes the synovium to thicken.
Stage 3: Enzymes are released by the inflamed cells that may digest bone and cartilage which causes the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.
Types of Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent form of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates. This causes pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Here the joints get inflamed leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and the possible loss of function.
Gout: This often attacks small joints, especially the big toe and this can completely controlled with medication and changes in diet. It is more common in men.
Ankylosing spondylitis: The spine gets affected. As a result of inflammation, the bones of the spine grow together.
Juvenile arthritis: Seen in children.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus): This can damage joints and other connective tissues throughout the body. It is a serious disorder.
Scleroderma: Here the skin gets thickened and hardened.
Fibromyalgia: Pain affects the muscles and attachment to the bone.
Symptoms:
o Joint Pain. It starts with smaller joints like your fingers and hands. The pain will be mostly symmetrical,meaning that if a joint hurts on the left hand, the same joint will hurt on the right hand.
o Fatigue
o Weakness
o You experience stiffness particularly in the morning and when sitting for long periods of time.
o Fever
o Pain associated with prolonged sitting
o Muscle pain
o Loss of appetite
o Depression
o Weight loss
o Anaemia
o If you observe lumps of tissue under the skin typically found on the elbows
o Involvement of the glands around the eyes and mouth, causing decreased production of tears and saliva
Treatments:
Arthritis comes in different fronts and ways and so the treatments vary accordingly. Current treatment methods focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, stopping or slowing joint damage and improving your functioning and sense of well-being. This is a critical disease so do not avoid it. It is important that you get an early treatment so that you can live with it.
As you grow old, your chances of getting arthritis increase. Joints naturally degenerate over time. This being a chronic disease it will be with you for long and maybe even life long. But the good thing is arthritis can be managed by taking the right medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, nutrition, and, in some cases, surgery. Your doctor should be able to decide on the best treatment for your case. You should be positive thinking and with the help of family and friends you can continue with your daily activities without any fear.
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