Understanding Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 Arthritis is a medical condition in which multiple joints of an individual get inflamed, resulting in swelling, stiffness, and pain. There are almost 100 types of arthritis, however, the most common ones are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. People of all ages can be affected by arthritis but some types of arthritis only occur in the elderly. By taking appropriate arthritis test, individuals can get suitable treatment. Find out the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of arthritis: - 

Causes


There can be different or multiple causes of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused due to wear and tear damage to the joint’s cartilage over the years, which causes pain and restricts movement. People with a family history of osteoarthritis are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder. Due to the attack of the body’s immune system, the lining of the joint capsule gets inflamed along with other body organs. This inflammation can ultimately destroy the bone and cartilage inside the joint.



Symptoms


The common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, stiffness and restricted movement, inflammation, and skin discoloration. Additionally, one can have unique types of symptoms, depending on the type of arthritis they may have.


Diagnosis


It is vital to know the reason behind the joint pain one may have and for that one should seek professional help. A physician can perform a physical exam to check the functioning and condition of the joints and recommend a specialist if needed. The specialist can recommend a set of well-priced tests for arthritis such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, etc.


Treatment


Arthritis is a medical condition with no specific cure. It can be managed with suitable treatments recommended by the individual’s doctor, depending on the type of arthritis. Commonly, anti-inflammatory and other medicines are recommended. Physical or occupational therapy is great for improving the motion and strength of the joints. Lastly, if the other mentioned treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery is recommended.


Since arthritis is a common occurrence among the elderly, it is suggested to get their bloodwork and image testing early on. This will help manage the symptoms of arthritis, based on its type, in a timely manner. 

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