🦴 Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

⚕️ What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. It can affect one or multiple joints and often worsens with age. Arthritis is one of the most common health problems worldwide.

There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common are:

Osteoarthritis (OA): Wear and tear of cartilage in joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease that attacks joints
Gout: Caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints
Psoriatic Arthritis: Linked to the skin condition psoriasis

🔎 Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms vary depending on the type, but common signs include:

🤕 Joint pain and tenderness
🦵 Stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity)
🔴 Swelling around joints
🦴 Decreased range of motion
🌡️ Warmth or redness over the affected joint
🧍 Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or doing daily tasks

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

Arthritis can develop due to multiple reasons:

🧬 Genetics – Family history of arthritis
⏳ Age – Risk increases with aging
⚖️ Obesity – Extra weight puts pressure on joints
🤕 Joint injuries – Old injuries may lead to arthritis
🦠 Autoimmune diseases – Like rheumatoid arthritis
⚠️ Metabolic problems – Such as gout

🩺 Diagnosis of Arthritis

Doctors may use:

🩻 X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to check joint damage
💉 Blood tests to detect inflammation or autoimmune activity
💧 Joint fluid test to check for infections or uric acid crystals

💊 Treatment of Arthritis

There is no permanent cure, but treatments can manage pain and improve mobility:

Medications 💊
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen, NSAIDs)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for RA
- Steroid injections
Lifestyle & Home Care 🏃
- Regular exercise to strengthen muscles
- Weight management to reduce stress on joints
- Heat and cold therapy for pain relief
Physical Therapy 🏋️
- Exercises to improve joint function and flexibility
Surgery (Severe Cases) 🏥
- Joint replacement (knee, hip)
- Joint repair or fusion

🛡️ Prevention of Arthritis

⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight
🏃 Stay physically active
🤕 Protect joints from injuries
🥗 Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and calcium
🧘 Manage stress and get enough rest

🌟 Outlook

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can affect daily life, but with proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and medical support, many people can lead active and pain-free lives. Early detection makes management much easier.

🦴 Arthritis