What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can cause pain and stiffness. It is one of the most common chronic conditions in the world. Symptoms can range from mild to debilitating, depending on the severity of the condition. Arthritis usually affects people over the age of 65, though it can happen at any age.

There are several different forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Treatment typically involves medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that can occur alongside the skin disorder psoriasis. It affects around 10-30% of people with psoriasis and can cause a wide range of symptoms such as joint pain and swelling, stiffness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and depression.

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown but it is believed to be related to an overactive immune system.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the joints and other parts of the body. It causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but thought to be linked to genetics and environmental factors.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by wear and tear on the joints due to aging. It causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. There is no cure for osteoarthritis but treatment typically involves medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, orthopedic supports or surgery.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It typically affects the big toe, but can also affect other joints in the body. Symptoms include intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the joint.

Arthritis Risk Factors

While there are many different types of arthritis, they often share certain risk factors such as age and genetics.

For instance, people who are over the age of 50 have an increased risk of developing arthritis due to wear and tear on their joints from years of use. Additionally, some genetic factors can increase your chances of developing arthritis, such as having a family history of the condition or certain conditions associated with it like psoriasis or osteoporosis.

Obesity is another major risk factor for arthritis since excess weight puts additional strain on the joints, making them more vulnerable to damage. Joint injuries or repetitive motions can also contribute to the development of arthritis due to repeated stress on particular joint parts. Some medical conditions may also increase your likelihood of developing arthritic symptoms such as lupus, gout, and fibromyalgia.

The environment can also play a role in increasing your risk of developing arthritis by raising your chances of exposure to certain viruses and bacteria that may trigger autoimmune responses in individuals. Smoking has been linked with inflammation-related types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis too.

Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is typically treated with a combination of lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet and weight management, medication, and therapies. Low-impact exercises like swimming, Tai Chi, walking, and stretching can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility. For example, strengthening the muscles around the joints helps to reduce stress on them.

Drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often prescribed by doctors to help decrease pain and swelling in arthritic joints. Corticosteroids can also be taken orally or injected directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation quickly. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help to slow down disease progression while biological medicines target specific substances that trigger inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

There are other treatments available for arthritis too, such as:

• Acupuncture has been known to relieve pain at certain pressure points along the body
• Physical therapy helps to strengthen muscles around affected joints
• Splints or braces provide extra support for weak or immobilized joints
• Hot or cold compresses can be used to temporarily ease stiff or painful areas.

How Can DrHouse Help You?

With DrHouse you can start on-demand online doctor visits wherever you are. Our experienced doctors and specialists can help with the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, depending on your symptoms and medical history. We’ll recommend lifestyle changes as well as medications or therapies that may be beneficial to your health.

Our clinicians can prescribe medications online such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs to help manage your pain and inflammation if needed.

DrHouse is here to provide convenient and reliable access to healthcare from the comfort of your own home. Download our telehealth app today and get the quality care you need.