Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Arthritis

If you notice swelling or stiffness on one or more joints in your body, that might be a sign of arthritis. This swelling or tenderness is caused by the inflammation of the affected joint. Under normal circumstances, the signs and symptoms develop over a period. However, there are cases where symptoms develop suddenly.  

There are different types of arthritis, and each has its symptoms and treatment. The most common types include; osteoarthritis (OA), inflammatory arthritis, Connective Tissue Disease (CTD), and infectious arthritis. There are many other types, but you need to consult a doctor for a diagnosis if you have any of the symptoms listed below.  

Symptoms of Arthritis  

Depending on the type, symptoms can manifest in different ways. They may appear quickly or gradually. Since arthritis is a chronic condition, symptoms may fluctuate or linger over time. 

If you or anyone around you exhibits any of the four crucial warning symptoms listed below, you need to contact a doctor. 

Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain is a well-known symptom. The pain might occur in one part of the body or make your whole body uneasy.  

Swelling: Areas above joints that are swollen, sore, and slightly warmer temperatures can indicate joints that have been affected by arthritis.  

Stiffness: If you experience stiffness or difficulty getting up after sitting or lying down for a while, you might be suffering from arthritis.  

Joint difficulty: If you experience pain or discomfort when you try to move a particular joint, you might have arthritis and need to see the doctor.  

Causes of Arthritis  

Most types have several contributing causes. Unfortunately, some do not have an obvious reason and can emerge without warning.  

Some possible causes include genetic disposition, recurrent injuries, infections like Lyme disease, and immune system malfunctions.  

Treatment 

The goals of any treatment include managing pain, reducing joint deterioration, and enhancing or maintaining function and quality of life. Some treatments include: 

Medication: Medications include Analgesics that can help reduce and manage the pains associated with the joints.  

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also help reduce pain and inflammation. Other medications include ointment and lotions to reduce pain signals from the affected joints.  

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can be used to slow or stop the immune system from attacking the joints.  

Natural Remedies: Natural remedies mainly include dietary changes and monitoring, as well as physical exercise and other behaviors to help people manage the effects of arthritis.  

Physical Therapy and Exercise: Even though people with arthritis may temporarily experience more pain when they start exercising, regular exercise can substantially lessen long-term symptoms. 

Surgery:  Different surgical treatments for the afflicted joints may be required depending on the type of arthritis a person has and its severity. 

In conclusion, not all joint pains can be termed arthritis, which is why before seeking over-the-counter drugs, it is important to consult with a medical practitioner to know the next line of action.  

You can also seek medical advice with your health care plan from Reliance Health. Go to the link below to schedule an appointment.