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Have you ever woken up in the morning and felt a sharp pain in your joints? Have you experienced trouble getting out of bed or making a fist due to soreness and stiffness in your hands? If so, you have probably experienced the frustrating symptoms of arthritis. According to the doctors of clinica samaritana Alvarado, arthritis is a common joint disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. By understanding the condition, you can manage it better with arthritis treatment and improve your quality of life.
In this comprehensive guide, you will read about the fundamentals of arthritis so that you can make informed decisions about your health.
What is Arthritis?
What is Arthritis?
The word “arthritis” comes from a combination of the Greek word “arthron,” which means “joint,” and the Latin word “itis,” which means “inflammation.” The term, quite literally, means “joint inflammation.”
Arthritis is more than one disease. The term is used informally to mention a group of over one hundred diseases that affect the joints.
Here are some of the most common types.
Osteoarthritis: It is the most prevalent form of arthritis that manifests in the form of a degenerative disorder caused by cartilage breakdown.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in the hands and feet.
Gout: It is a form of arthritis characterized by painful inflammation, mostly caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Juvenile Arthritis: It is an umbrella term for various types of arthritis in children.
Psoriatic Arthritis: It commonly occurs in people with psoriasis, which is a condition characterized by red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.
Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): It is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain.
Each type has unique features, but a doctor from the clinica samaritana Alvarado says all share a common symptom of joint pain and inflammation.
The Primary Causes
The Primary Causes
Arthritis can be triggered by different factors depending on the type. Here is a closer look at some of the primary causes.
Osteoarthritis is often associated with aging. Over time, the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones where they form a joint can wear down due to years of use, causing one bone to rub against another.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the blood. As time passes, the uric acid forms sharp, needle-like crystals in the joint, leading to severe pain and swelling.
Autoimmune arthritis includes Rheumatoid arthritis, and almost all of them result from the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues. In the case of Rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the lining of the joints.
Viral arthritis can be triggered by certain viral infections.
Idiopathic arthritis can occur without a clear cause or trigger.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Understanding the symptoms of arthritis can help in early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The most common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, and decreased range of motion. Diagnosis may involve physical exams, lab tests, imaging, joint analysis, etc.
Treatment & Management
Treatment & Management
The treatment of arthritis focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. It may include a combo of medication, physical therapy, and even surgery in extreme situations.
Lifestyle Changes & Home Remedies
Lifestyle Changes & Home Remedies
Apart from medical treatments, there are a few things patients can do to manage their arthritis, including body weight management, regular exercise, avoiding joint injuries, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and assessing their workstation and modifying it, if required.
Final Words
Final Words
Living with arthritis can be challenging in more ways than one. However, understanding the disease and its management options can make a significant difference. Never forget that you have the doctors at clinica samaritana Alvarado to help you navigate this journey.
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