Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Treatment & Prevention,Treatment

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disorder of the muscular and skeletal system. It efers to pain or disease in the joint and forms the term for more than 100 types and associated conditions. When these symptoms appear in one or more joints, they are classified as arthritis. It is not a single disease but is a broad term for a range of joint disorders. People of any age, from toddlers to adolescents, may be affected although different types are much more common in older adults. The cause of arthritis has not been identified, but much is understood within the realm of medicines, especially over the past decades. Early treatment, especially in the case of inflammatory arthritis, has shown impressive results.

Parts of a Joint

Joints are soft tissues that support and cushion your bones, preventing them from rubbing against one another. An essential component is cartilage, a type of connective tissue. Joints can move easily and without resistance with its assistance.

Some joints have a synovial membrane, a cushioned fluid pocket that lubricates the joints. As with other joints, tendons and ligaments support your knees. Ligaments join one bone to another, whereas tendons join muscles to your bones.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of joints. Several types are known, with their unique causes, symptoms, and forms of treatment. Some of the most common ones include;

1. Infectious Arthritis: An infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, causes infectious arthritis. A joint, commonly the knee, becomes infected when an infection from another region of the body moves there.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a protracted inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In certain people with the sickness, the skin, eyes, heart, lungs, and blood vessels may be harmed in addition to other body systems.

3. Osteoarthritis: Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis. It happens as a result of the deterioration of the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones over time.

4. Gout (Metabolic Arthritis): Anyone can develop gout, a common and complicated form of arthritis. Frequent discomfort in the big toe and rapid, severe flare-ups of swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints are the main symptoms.

5. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: The most prevalent kind of arthritis in children under the age of 16 is rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Different arthritis types result in different symptoms. They might range from mild to severe, depending on the person. Joint discomfort might come and go or be constant. Typical symptoms include:

• Aches and redness

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Warmth

Symptoms of Different Arthritis

Infectious Arthritis

Symptoms of infectious arthritis include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Joint pain

• Sensitivity

• Sharp pain originates from an infection or injury in another part of your body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include:

• During at least six weeks, joint discomfort, swelling, and tenderness

• 30 minutes or more of morning stiffness

• Numerous joints are impacted particularly the tiny joints in your hands, wrists, and feet.

• Affected joints on both sides of the body are the same joints.

Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:

• Painful joint

• Stiffness in the morning or during prolonged periods of sitting

• Touching the area causes pain because of the tenderness.

• The joint does not move through its complete range of motion, preventing movement.

• The joint may feel like it is grinding against something when it is grating.

Gout (Metabolic Arthritis)

Symptoms of a Gout include:

• A severe pain

• Redness

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• There is tenderness even to a light touch, like that of a bedsheet.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Symptoms of Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis include:

• Even if your child doesn't express any joint pain, you might still notice that he or she limps, especially in the morning or right after a nap.

• Although joint swelling is prevalent, it frequently manifests itself in larger joints like the knee.

• The patient may seem clumsier than normal, especially in the morning or right after naps.

• Rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.

Causes of Arthritis

Numerous reasons can result in any form of arthritis. There could be a single cause or several, depending on the type or form of arthritis.

Possible causes could be:

• An accident that may cause degenerative arthritis.

• Both gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition illness can be brought on by an aberrant metabolism.

• Osteoarthritis can occur as a result of genetic predisposition.

• It is possible for an infection, such as Lyme disease, to cause arthritis symptoms.

• Dysfunction of the immune system, such as that which results in rheumatoid Arthritis and lupus.

• Numerous factors contribute to the majority of kinds of arthritis. Some, though, appear to arise suddenly and for no apparent reason.

Risk Factors for Arthritis

For example, you are more prone to get arthritis:

Age: Your risk of developing arthritis increases as you become older.

Lifestyle: Your risk of developing arthritis is higher if you smoke or don't exercise.

Gender: Most types of arthritis affect more women than males.

Weight: Being overweight causes your joints additional stress, which can cause arthritis.

Diagnosis of Arthritis

Consulting a medical professional if there are symptoms of arthritis. The symptoms will be discussed by the doctor, who will also ask how joint discomfort affects the daily activities. A physical examination will be conducted by the doctor, and it may involve the following:

• Evaluating the flexibility and range of motion in your joints.

• Any pain or oedema in the areas near joints.

• Assessing general health to see whether the symptoms could be brought on by a different illness.

Imaging exams provide a greater understanding of your soft tissues, joints, and bones. An ultrasound, MRI, or X-ray can show:

• Joint discomfort may be brought on by bone fractures or dislocations.

• Cartilage near your joints deteriorating

• Injury to a muscle, ligament, or tendon close to a joint.

• Inflammation of soft tissues

Treatment of Arthritis

Even though arthritis has no known treatment, there are techniques to control your symptoms. The severity of your arthritis, its symptoms, and your general health will all affect your treatment options.

Conservative (nonsurgical) Treatments

Medication: Arthritis symptoms may be helped by anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Inflammation brought on by your immune system can be reduced with biological medications. According to a medical expert, biologics may be used to treat your psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis.

Physical therapy: Rehabilitation can help to increase strength, range of motion, and overall mobility. Therapists can teach you how to alter your regular routines to lessen arthritis symptoms.

Therapeutic injections: Cortisone injections may temporarily lessen the pain and inflammation in your joints. One treatment for arthritis in specific joints, like your knee, is called Visco supplementation. It administers lubricant to enable simple joint mobility.

Surgical Treatments

These are some instances where conservative therapy has not improved the situation. The subsequent surgical possibilities:

The permanent merging of two or more bones is known as fusion. Fusion reduces discomfort caused by movement and stabilizes a joint.

Joint replacement is an artificial joint is used to replace a damaged or arthritic joint. Joint replacement maintains the movement and functionality of the joint. The ankle, hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are a few examples.

Can Arthritis Be Prevented?

You can lessen your risk of developing arthritis by:

• Avoiding products made with tobacco.

• Exercising lightly and without lifting anything.

• Maintaining an appropriate weight.

• Reducing the possibility of joint injury.

Does Weather Make Arthritis Worse?

Some people find that certain types of weather make their arthritis worse. Joint discomfort frequently results from cold and dampness. There are numerous reasons why this might happen. People tend to be less active during the winter and in damp weather. The cold and wetness can also tighten joints and aggravate arthritis. Other theories claim that the barometric pressure, or air pressure around us, may have an impact on arthritis.

Arthritis NEET MCQs

Q1. Which of the following abnormalities will include the secretion of abnormal granules - pannus?

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

3. Gout

4. Osteoporosis

Correct answer: 2) Rheumatoid arthritis

Explanation:

The secretion of irregular granular material, termed pannus, is commonly linked with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This pannus is an aberrant fibrovascular tissue layer that originates from the persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is the joint lining. It is composed of various immune cells such as T cells, macrophages, and granulocytes, as well as harmful granules. These granules, like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory cytokines, are instrumental in the degradation of cartilage and bone, leading to the distinct joint damage characteristic of RA.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Rheumatoid arthritis.

Q2. Select the correct statement with respect to locomotion in humans:

1. The joint between adjacent vertebrae is a fibrous joint.

2. A decreased level of progesterone causes osteoporosis in old people.

3. Accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints causes their inflammation.

4. The vertebral column has 10 thoracic vertebrae.

Correct answer: 3) Accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints causes their inflammation.

Explanation:

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe episodes of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, substances found in certain foods and drinks

Hence, the correct option is 3) Accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints causes inflammation.

Q3. The disorders that arise when the immune system destroys 'self ' cells are called autoimmune disorders. Which of the following would be classified under this ?

1. Rheumatoid arthritis

2. Asthma

3. Rhinitis

4. Eczema

Correct answer: 1) Rheumatoid arthritis

Explanation:

The chronic inflammatory disorder that may affect more than the joints is known as rheumatoid arthritis. It can damage the other body systems as well including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, eyes, and skin. It affects the linings of the joints causing painful swelling and may eventually cause bone erosion as well as joint deformity.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the tissues mistakenly of your own body. When the synovium is attacked by the immune system it causes rheumatoid arthritis. Synovium is the lining of the membrane that covers joints. The synovium thickens due to the inflammation and may eventually destroy bone and cartilage within the joints. The ligaments and tendons holding the joint together get weakened and stretch. The joint loses its alignment and shape gradually.

The inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis can damage other parts of the body as well.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) rheumatoid arthritis.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Disorders of Muscular and Skeletal System

• Vertebral Column

• Cori Cycle

FAQs on Arthritis

What are the types of arthritis?

There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Caused by wear and tear of joint cartilage, common in older adults.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks joint linings.

• Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal deposits in joints.

• Juvenile arthritis: Occurs in children due to autoimmune causes.

• Infectious Arthritis: An infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, causes infectious arthritis.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Some of the common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Joints may also show redness, reduced range of motion, and warmth. Symptoms are often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. In severe cases, arthritis can lead to joint deformities, fatigue, and disability.

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity. It includes:

• Medications: Pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for autoimmune arthritis.

• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, weight management, and physiotherapy to maintain joint mobility.

• Assistive devices: Splints, braces, or walking aids.

• Surgical options: Joint replacement or repair in advanced cases.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis can be caused by multiple factors:

• Osteoarthritis: Age-related cartilage breakdown due to wear and tear.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Autoimmune attack on joint tissues.

• Gout: Excess uric acid forming crystals in joints.

• Infections: Certain bacteria or viruses can infect joints (septic arthritis).

• Genetics, obesity, and injuries also increase the risk of developing arthritis.

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