Arthritis
Is a group of diseases of either inflammatory or degenerative nature involving one or more joints. They affect the synovial membrane, joint capsule, cartilage tissues, and alter the composition and properties of the intra-articular fluid.
Symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, redness, and limited joint mobility. There are many different types of arthritis, each with its own causes and treatment methods. Below are some of its types
Classification of Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis type, results from joint cartilage wear and tear.
It primarily targets knees, hips, hands, and spine, leading to pain and stiffness.
Mobility decreases and bone spurs may form around joints. The condition progresses slowly, typically worsening with time.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining. This causes inflammation that can spread to surrounding tissues.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is caused by infectious agents, often bacteria, inflaming a joint.
It quickly damages joints, causing pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. It affects any age but mainly infants, older adults, and those with weak immune systems.
Gout
Gout, a form of arthritis, results from uric acid crystals in joints, causing intense pain and stiffness, usually in the big toe.
It’s linked to high uric acid levels from diets rich in purines or poor kidney function.
Treatment of this condition includes medications to lower the level of uric acid and relieve inflammation symptoms.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Is the collective term for a group of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions of the joints that begin in children under the age of 16. “Idiopathic” means that the exact cause of the condition is unknown.
JIA is the most common type of arthritis in children and can affect one or more joints, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Still’s disease (or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
Is a rare inflammatory disease that can affect both children (in which case it is called juvenile idiopathic arthritis) and adults. This condition is characterized by high fever, rash, and arthritis.
Spondylitis
Is a term for an inflammatory disease of the spine. Inflammation can lead to pain and stiffness in the back, neck, and in some cases, fusion of the vertebrae, which limits spine movement.
There are several types of spondylitis, the most common of which is ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease), a chronic inflammatory disease that most often affects the spine and hip joints.
Pseudogout or chondrocalcinosis
Is a condition similar to gout but caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints, not uric acid. Pseudogout also causes sudden attacks of joint pain, swelling, and redness, often affecting the knee joints.
Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation, and in some cases, removing crystals from the joint.
These and other types of arthritis can vary significantly in their causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
In this article, we will talk about a type of arthritis known as osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is not just a disease of old age, but a serious medical challenge that can affect people of different age groups.
This disease, affecting millions worldwide, leads to the wear and tear and destruction of joint cartilage, causing pain and limited mobility.
How does osteoarthritis progress?
Osteoarthritis begins with micro-damage to the cartilage against a background of increased load or reduced regeneration capacity. As a result, the tissue thins and becomes denser and less smooth.
The movement of bones relative to each other becomes difficult, and certain areas of the joints begin to experience constant overload.
The process is accompanied by changes in the properties of synovial fluid, which becomes thicker.
Bone outgrowths – osteophytes – appear inside the joint cavity.
As the disease progresses, more of them appear, the distance between bones decreases.
The pathological process spreads to surrounding tissues: ligaments, muscles. Ultimately, all elements of the joint fuse together, and movement is completely blocked.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
The main causes of osteoarthritis development are age, excess weight, excessive physical load, joint injuries, autoimmune diseases, connective tissue dysplasia, and vascular diseases.
It is important to understand that although it may be impossible to completely prevent the development of the disease, there are ways to slow its progression.
Furthermore, there are drugs that help alleviate and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms include pain during movement, morning stiffness, limited mobility, and crunching in the joints. Recognizing these signs at early stages plays a key role in managing the disease.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
The diagnosis of osteoarthritis usually includes a physical examination by an orthopedic traumatologist, whose task is to determine the degree of the disease and select treatment.
The main diagnostic methods are X-ray and MRI.
These methods help determine the degree of joint damage and develop a treatment plan.
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis is aimed at reducing symptoms and improving joint function. This may include taking analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, and surgical intervention in more severe cases.
Prevention and Management of Osteoarthritis
A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a normal weight, healthy eating, and taking drugs containing hyaluronic acid playing a key role in joint health, can help manage osteoarthritis symptoms and improve quality of life.
It is also important to avoid actions that exacerbate the disease and to follow the doctor’s recommendations.
Living with Osteoarthritis
Managing osteoarthritis is not only about medical treatment. It also involves lifestyle adjustments, using supportive devices, and participating in physical rehabilitation programs.
Conclusion:
Osteoarthritis is a serious condition, but proper management and treatment approaches can significantly improve your life. It is important to actively participate in the treatment process and not be afraid to seek help. Remember, you are not alone in your fight against osteoarthritis.
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