Question 1

What causes arthritis?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause of arthritis is unknown, although many factors can affect the rate of arthritis progression, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, vitamin deficiency, STDs and injuries.

Question 2

Does arthritis lead to other flu-like complications?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid and Reactive Arthritis can cause skin rashes, colds, fever, swelling, eye pain, and problems in the lungs, kidneys and heart.

Question 3

Will Reactive Arthritis damage my eyes?

Accepted Answer

The inflammation caused in the eyes due to Reactive Arthritis can be lethal. It is advisable to visit a doctor immediately and begin treatment to prevent the condition from becoming worse.

Question 4

Will joint-replacement surgery free me of Arthritis?

Accepted Answer

In joint replacement surgery, the damaged portion of the joint is removed and replaced with metal parts. This is done when the arthritis pain becomes unbearable. As this is a chronic disease with no cure, joint replacement surgery should only be considered as an option to manage the disease rather than treat it.

Question 5

What exactly is arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Arthritis is a rheumatic condition of joint inflammation. It is often used to describe around 200 conditions affecting the joints, muscles or fibrous tissue. It is also called Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions related to arthritis include gout, fibromyalgia, etc.

Question 6

What are the early signs of arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs of Arthritis include:

Fever
Weight loss
Fatigue
Anaemia
Swelling, stiffness and pain in one or multiple joints
Morning stiffness in and around the affected joints
Pain and stiffness, which worsens with inactivity and improves with physical activity.

Question 7

At what age does arthritis usually start?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid Arthritis often starts between 40 and 50 years of age. Women are three times more likely to be affected by arthritis than men. Women also tend to experience worse pain. Arthritis can affect different joints in women than in men. Men commonly get Arthritis in their hip joints, while women tend to have it more on their knees and hands.

Question 8

What are the most common types of Arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Here are a few types of Arthritis and related conditions:

Osteoarthritis is the most common form, which occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears out.
Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks various body parts, especially the joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that can affect people with psoriasis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the muscles, ligaments and bones of the spine.
Cervical Spondylosis affects the joints and bones in the neck, which leads to pain and stiffness.
Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the body.
Lupus, also called SLE or systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect many different organs and tissues.

Question 9

What is the best treatment for arthritis?

Accepted Answer

There's no guaranteed cure for arthritis, but medications and treatments like physiotherapy and surgery can help slow its progression. Patients with Osteoarthritis are suggested to change their lifestyle and continue with medications. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis primarily aims to slow down the condition's progress and minimise joint inflammation.

Question 10

What foods make arthritis worse?

Accepted Answer

The following types of food cause inflammation, and Arthritis patients should avoid them:

Processed foods
Omega-6 fatty acids (vegetable oil, seed oil, etc.)
Sugar and certain sugar alternatives
Red meat and fried foods
Refined carbohydrates
Cheese and high-fat dairy

Inflammation, the primary cause of arthritis, can be reduced by eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as tomatoes, fruits, nuts, olive oil, leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, etc.

Question 11

How can I get relief from Arthritis pain naturally?

Accepted Answer

Here are a few tips you can use for pain relief and avoid the side effects of pain medications:

Hot and Cold Therapy: Take long warm showers, use a heating pad, or wrap a gel ice pack on the affected joints.
Exercise: This is more about movement than exercising to lose weight. Such low-impact exercises help maintain the flexibility of the joints.
Acupuncture: This is the most researched alternative therapy and is recommended by the World Health Organisation for the treatment of arthritis.
Lose weight: Maintaining an optimal body weight can reduce pressure on the joints.
Fatty Acids: - Fats like omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid help reduce joint stiffness and pain.