Arthritis FAQs: All You Need to Know
In a world where information is easily available, everyone needs to stay informed about the issues affecting their health. Therefore, we have compiled an essential list of questions with their relevant answers to help you to stay informed about Arthritis and its possible remedies.
FAQ’s:
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammatory and painful condition of your joints that affects your bone joints or the tissues surrounding them. Most types of arthritis can make you suffer in the form of pain and stiffness. Some particular types of arthritis form, like RA or rheumatoid arthritis, can end up affecting the immune system and other organs of your body.
How many types of arthritis are there?
There are over 100 different types of arthritis out there. The most common amongst them are OA or osteoarthritis, RA or rheumatoid arthritis, gout pain, and fibromyalgia.
What are some of the common symptoms of arthritis?
Due to the sheer number of variations in arthritis, there are different types, forms, and levels of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is pain and stiffness around the joint areas. Also, based on the type of arthritis, the symptoms may develop suddenly or build up gradually.
What are some of the causes of arthritis?
There are many causes of arthritis based on their respective types. However, severe levels of uric acid in the body may lead to gout and other specific types of arthritis. Factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle are considered while identifying arthritis by doctors and medical experts.
Can I get arthritis too?
Many factors in your lifestyle and way of living may lead you to suffer from arthritis. You can tend to control some of them while others are beyond that.
Do children have the risk of getting affected by arthritis?
Yes, children can also get affected by arthritis. One of the most common forms of arthritis found in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It’s also known by the names of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or childhood arthritis.
Some of the common signs of childhood arthritis are:
- Swelling of the affected joint area
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Stiffness
- Rashes near the affected area
- Fever
- Acute tiredness or fatigue
- Inflammation of the eye area
Childhood arthritis is a pretty serious health issue and can cause permanent damage to the joint/ joints. Though there are no curable remedies for childhood arthritis, many cases have shown significant improvements and even complete remission under proper medical consultation and care. Therefore, the condition must be diagnosed early so that preventive measures can be taken.
Can arthritis patients develop further complications due to the flu?
If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, then there are higher chances of you developing possible complications from the flu than other people.
Some of the complications may include:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Infections in ear
- Sinus infections
The primary reason behind the vulnerability of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or RA to the flu is a weakened immune system. Arthritis, as well as the medications used to treat the same, can significantly affect your immune system, weakening it in the process.
How can I prevent arthritis?
Although you cannot completely prevent the incoming or arthritis, you can significantly reduce its risk. Control your lifestyle and factors like smoking, joint injuries, and obesity/overweight in order to reduce your risk of getting affected by arthritis.
What should I do if I suspect myself to have arthritis?
The best thing you can do under such a scenario is to consult a medical practitioner or a doctor and bring about the necessary changes in your lifestyle.
How can arthritis be diagnosed?
Different forms of arthritis have different ways of diagnosing and identification. Doctors usually consider factors like previous medical history of the patient and run tests like X-rays, blood tests, and physical examination.
The earlier the arthritis is detected, the more your chances are of controlling it.
How can you treat arthritis?
According to the reports from the American College of Rheumatology, the treatment of arthritis includes a combination of proper medication, physical therapy, non-drug therapies and sometimes even surgery! The primary focus of the treatment is to control and reduce joint pain, minimize joint damage, and improve the physical quality of life of the patient.
Should I exercise if I have arthritis?
Although most high intensive workouts and exercises are discouraged, some arthritis-friendly activities can be good for the patients, and these activities can give you the following benefits:
- Can relieve the stiffness and pain caused by arthritis
- Lift your emotional well being and help you to live a better life
- Help you to gain more energy
Now that you are equipped with almost all the essential information about arthritis, it’s possible symptoms and effects, you can make an informed decision regarding your health. It’s strictly advised to seek proper medical consultation and help for any form or type of arthritis to reduce further risk of joint damage and other health effects.
Dr. Jayavardhan | Consultant – Orthopaedics | Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Mysore