Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Understanding the Conditions and Treatment Options
If you suffer from joint pain or stiffness, you may have arthritis or osteoarthritis. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term used to describe inflammation in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Symptoms of arthritis can include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as redness and warmth around the affected joint.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is the final result of repetitive wear and tear of all the tissues of the joint, muscles, tendon, articular capsule, lingaments, bone, throughout life. Osteoarthritis may have an acute phase, with intense pain and swelling, that is often triggered by mechanical strain. Articular cartiladge injuries during young age is conssindered responsible for early Osteoarthritis, as well as, joint instability due to lingment or tendon injury. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, and hands. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, crepitus, or a grating or grinding sensation in the joint.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for arthritis and osteoarthritis, depending on the severity of your condition. These can include:
- Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Physical therapy to help improve joint function and reduce pain
- Joint injections, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, to reduce inflammation and pain
- Surgery, such as joint replacement, for severe cases where other treatments have not been effective
Preventing Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent arthritis or osteoarthritis, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints
- Exercise regularly to keep your joints flexible and strong
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help reduce inflammation
- Avoid smoking, which can increase your risk of developing arthritis
Contact PhysioDanali today for your consultation.
References
- Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). What is Arthritis? Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 26). Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/index.htm