Arthritis Treatment

Depending on the type of arthritis, you can experience the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Reduced range of motion

1. Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammation is the natural healing process of the body. It is a natural protection against viruses and bacteria and a response to injuries like burns. It occurs in people with inflammatory arthritis for no specific cause.

Examples of inflammatory arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Arthritis associated with colitis or psoriasis

4. Back pain

Issues with the body’s organs may cause back pain. Muscles, discs, nerves, ligaments, bones, and joints may all cause back pain. A particular cause, such as osteoarthritis, a slipped disc, or osteoporosis, may exist. When it affects the spine, it’s known as spondylosis. Imaging scans or a physical examination can discover the reason.

6. Infectious arthritis

Inflammation may occur when a bacterium, virus, or fungus reaches the joint.

• Salmonella and Shigella, which are foodborne illnesses
• Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which are STDs that can affect joints
• Hepatitis C is a blood-to-blood infection that can be transmitted through shared needles or blood transfusions

2. Degenerative arthritis

Degenerative arthritis is a group of disorders characterized by damage to the cartilage covering the bones’ ends.

3. Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain

Other than the joints and bones, soft tissue musculoskeletal pain is felt in other tissues. Following an injury or overuse, such as a tennis elbow, the pain usually involves a specific body part. It originates in the muscles or soft tissues that support the joints.

5. Connective tissue disease

Connective tissues support, bind together, or various other body tissues and organs. They include tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Examples of CTD are:

• SLE, or lupus
• dermatomyositis
• scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis

7. Metabolic arthritis

Uric acid builds-up and settles in the joints in certain people, forming needle-like crystals that cause severe joint pain or a gout attack.

Controlling pain, minimizing joint injury, and improving or maintaining the quality of life are all arthritis treatment goals. Various drugs and lifestyle changes can aid in this goal while also protecting joints from further damage.

Arthritis treatment may include:

1. Medications

Your doctor will give medicines based on the condition and the type of arthritis.

Commonly used drugs include:

• Analgesics
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Counterirritants
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologics
• Corticosteroids

3. Surgery

The doctor suggests surgical intervention if the patient does not find relief from medicines and physical therapy. Surgery may include joint repair, joint replacement, and joint fusion.

2. Physical or occupational therapy

The doctor may suggest physical therapy, along with medications. These exercises focus on improving the range of motion. They also strengthen the surrounding muscles of the painful joints. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy in the following ways:

• Warm water therapy:

Exercising in a heated tub. The weight is supported by water, which relieves pressure on the muscles and joints.

• Physical therapy:

It involves specific exercises adapted to the person’s condition and need. It is often combined with pain-relieving therapies such as ice or hot packs and massage.

• Occupational therapy:

It involves practical guidance on completing daily activities, selecting advanced aids and equipment. It also helps prevent further joint injury and manage fatigue.