Arthritis: Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, Cure, and Prevention

Jan 09 , 2021

Erandika Mohanathasan

Tags - Arthritis

Arthritis is swelling (soreness/tenderness) of one or multiple joints.

The 2 most common types of arthritis are: Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Even though arthritis is usually seen among elders above the age of 65, it can also be formed among young children. Further, it is mostly diagnosed among women and overweight individuals.

In the UK, around 10 million people & 15000 children have been diagnosed with Arthritis. Similarly, in the US, 50 million adults and 300,000 children are diagnosed with Arthritis.

In particular, risk of developing Arthritis may be higher if you have a family history of the disease.

Even though arthritis mainly affects the joints, in the long run it could start affecting the other parts of the body such as eyes, heart, kidneys, lungs and skin.

Symptoms

Pain, soreness and inflammation in joints are the most prevalent symptoms of arthritis.

With these symptoms, you will struggle with daily movements, especially in the morning when you wake up after a long rest.

Types of Arthritis

Types of arthritis among adults are

Childhood Arthritis is called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

Here is an outline of the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Cartilage tissues protect the joints by shielding (absorbing) it from the force added to it while moving.

When this tissue starts degenerating, it leads to arthritis.

Similarly, normal wear and tear, infection, joint injury and heredity can aggravate the disintegration of cartilage tissues and causes Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the immune system malfunctions.

If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, due to the severity of the inflammation, it will start affecting the immune system.

Later, this leads to fatigueness, appetite loss, decrease in red blood cells resulting in anemia and fever.

Sadly, if Rheumatoid Arthritis is not taken care of, it can result in joint impairment.

Types of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA):

1. Oligoarticular JIA

Oligoarticular is the most common JIA, which affects upto 4 joints and mostly seen in wrists, ankles and knees.

Luckily, it does not cause long term effects but it can affect the eyes.

2. Polyarticular JIA (Polyarthritis)

Polyarticular is the second most common JIA, which affects upto 5 joints.

Polyarticular JIA is similar to rheumatoid arthritis which is diagnosed among adults.

Further, patients with Polyarticular JIA will have fever occasionally.

3. Systemic Onset JIA

Symptoms of Systemic Onset JIA include, fever, fatigue, rash, swollen glands and joints.

4. Enthesitis Arthritis

Enthesitis Arthritis affects joints in legs and spine.

In terms of impact, Enthesitis Arthritis causes inflammation in bone tendons resulting in neck and lower back stiffness.

Also, Enthesitis Arthritis could lead to acute uveitis which is an eye disease among kids.

Diagnosis and Cure

Arthritis is usually diagnosed using blood tests, X-ray, MRI and CT scans.

Arthritis can not be fully cured but you can take measures to reduce the pain and swelling, for which you can use:

pain killers (medications)
ice packs
heating pads
use equipment such as walkers or canes to assist you while walking
start physical therapy and exercise.

If this doesn't help then the doctor might suggest a surgery where they’ll replace the joints (usually hips and knee joints).

Prevention

Having a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and regular exercises can prevent you from being obese and having arthritis.

For instance, swimming is a good form of exercise for arthritis as it will not add pressure to the joints, hence will not cause any pain.

And while we are at it, use our Comfortable Shoes, as an aid to your efforts to staying healthy.

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