Arthritis Medical Consultation Online

There are many different kinds of arthritis, with over 100 different types known today. The different types of arthritis range from those related to the wear and tear of cartilage (like osteoarthritis) to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, in which the overactivation of the immune system causes the joints to swell. When only one specific joint is experiencing pain, the disease is classified as monoarthritis; two to three joints experiencing pain is classified as oligoarthritis, while four or more joints in pain is referred to as polyarthritis.

The causes of arthritis vary greatly depending on which kind of arthritis you have. Causes of arthritis may include physical injury, which would lead to osteoarthritis, metabolic abnormalities like gout or pseudogout, hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effects of infections, and/or a misdirected immune system with autoimmune issues.

Some forms of arthritis are caused by a reduction of cartilage. Cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue that sits in your joints, nose, and ears. Cartilage is meant to protect the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock created when you move or put weight on them. The wearing down of this cartilage can cause inflammation, pain, and ultimately arthritis in the joints.

The only major risk factor for arthritis of any kind is genetics. Some specific risk factors for arthritis include:

– Age – Your risk for acquiring most types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout, increases with age.

– Previous joint injury – If you have experienced a joint injury in the past, you are far more likely to eventually develop arthritis in the joint.

– Your sex – Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of people who have gout, however, are men.

– Obesity – Carrying excess weight puts extra stress on your joints, particularly your spine, hips, and knees. Obese people have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

Symptoms and signs associated with arthritis can include:

– Joint swelling

– Joint tenderness

– Joint redness

– Joint warmth

– Limping

– Locking of the joint

– Weakness

– Loss of range of motion in the joint

– Stiffness

While the main symptoms of arthritis have to do with joint pain and functionality, arthritis can cause symptoms that affect more than just the joints. When a person has arthritis various organs of the body are susceptible to change.

There is no cure for arthritis, but proper treatment can help greatly reduce your symptoms.
Improving joint function is crucial to managing your arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of treatment methods, which may include physical therapy, cold-pack application, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, biologic medications, immune-altering medications, and/or surgical operations. Some arthritic pain requires injections for treatment.
Pain treatment is specific to the individual, so it will take some time to determine what management techniques work for you.