Arthritis is a disease of joint inflammation. Its causes include such as infections, autoimmune diseases, accidents or workplace injuries. There are several types of arthritis depending on its cause and characteristics.
Treatment Guidelines
Treatment for arthritis depends on its type and severity as follows:
- Symptomatic treatment: analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Drug treatment: Depending on its type and severity, the medicines used in arthritis treatment are as follows:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroid to reduce severe inflammation and swelling
- Immunosuppressants to inhibit or decrease the intensity of the immune response
- Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors to reduce inflammation
- Interleukin-1 inhibitors to reduce inflammation
- Biologics to reduce inflammation and tissue damage
- Surgical treatment: Arthroplasty may be considered in patients with severe symptoms and in cases where other treatments are ineffective.
Self-Care for Patients with Arthritis
In addition to receiving treatment as directed by their doctor, patients with arthritis should adopt the following personal care measures:
- Get enough rest
- Exercise regularly
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Consume a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients; avoiding spicy food and sugary food
- Drink enough water
- Avoid triggers of arthritis symptoms
Most common types of arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of several joints in the body. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the joints. Patients may also experience other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and headaches.
- Osteoarthritis is caused by damage or breakdown of cartilage. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving joints. Patients may also experience other symptoms such as back pain and neck pain.
- Infectious arthritis is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the joints. Common symptoms of infectious arthritis are pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the joints. Patients may also experience fever and chills.
- Post-traumatic arthritis is caused by joint injury. Common symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis are pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the joints. Patients may also experience other symptoms such as numbness and weakness.
- Occupational arthritis is caused by repetitive motion of joints for a long time. Common symptoms of occupational arthritis are pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the joints. Patients may also experience other symptoms such as fatigue, back pain, and neck pain.
If you have symptoms of arthritis, you should consult a doctor immediately to receive the right treatment.
