Published on Aug 22, 2015 and last reviewed on Sep 09, 2022 - 1 min read
Abstract
This article stresses upon the fact that, when signs of arthritis appear, one should approach a doctor as early as possible for appropriate treatment.
Inflammatory arthritis is a common problem in females between the age group 20-50 years. It is characterized by swelling of the joints, early morning stiffness and pain which is constant and little relieved by work and use of painkillers.
It is an autoimmune condition, i.e, body's immune system starts attacking your own body rather than defending you. It can be triggered by infections, environmental agents or at times some food particles. But what triggers it, is still not known.
Lot of patients wonder if there is a genetic predisposition to it. The risk is as low as 1-2 %. It is not essential to be present in your family members. You might be the first one to have it.
When to Approach a Doctor?
There are three cardinal signs for arthritis. do not hesitate to approach your doctor, when any of these three signs appear.
1. Early morning stiffness of the joints lasting more than 30 minutes.
2. Pain over the joints which is increased on rest.
3. Swelling of the joints.
Which Are the Commonly Affected Joints?
Wrist, finger joints, elbows, ankle and foot joints. But, it can also involve the knees and shoulder initially as well. Although all the joints can be affected at the same time.
Approach your doctor as early as possible. There is a lot of data available on treating the disease at an early stage which gives good results. Once the disease picks up its pace, it gets difficult to control and the need for multiple medications goes up. The joint damage which happens is mostly with patients who ignore the disease and the medications.
Do not ignore arthritis symptoms!!! Hit it hard and get back to your normal life.
Consult a rheumatologist online if you encounter any of the above symptoms --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/rheumatologist
Ignoring arthritis or its progression can lead to worsening pain and eventually affect everyday activities like walking, bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, driving, and even sleeping.
If one observes redness, swelling, or warmth over a joint lasting for three days or more or these symptoms occurring more than thrice a month, it is important to consult a doctor.
The outlook of rheumatoid arthritis with proper treatment is quite normal with patients surviving way past the age of 80 or 90.
The rate of progression of arthritis varies among individuals. For some, it may take just a few months to reach advanced stages while others may take years to reach stage four.
Arthritis is uncommonly associated with instability of the cervical spine mainly due to abnormal subluxation between vertebrae, even compromising the spinal cord space. In such cases, arthritis may lead to paralysis.
Anti-CCP test (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) is a blood investigation required to detect anti-CCP antibodies that are characteristic of arthritis.
There are more than 100 variants of arthritis and related disorders, out of which severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be extremely painful.
There are certain steps that may be taken to arrest the progression of arthritis:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Controlling sugar levels.
- Being physically active.
- Protecting the joints.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Advances arthritis can be treated with various surgical procedures like:
- Arthroscopy.
- Joint resurfacing.
- Osteotomy.
- Synovectomy.
- Arthrodesis.
- Total joint arthroplasty (TJA).
- Minimally invasive.
- Joint revision.
Pharmacotherapy against arthritis includes usage of Acetaminophen, OTC NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, topical NSAIDs like Lidocaine, Menthol, and Camphor, and prescription NSAIDs like Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Naproxen, and Piroxicam.
Arthritic inflammation can lead to general physical weakness, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
Both heat pads and cold therapy can be used to manage arthritic pain. One can alternatively experiment with both means before affixing the best suitable methods. Ideally, 5 to 10 minutes of ice packs can alleviate acute pains within the first 48 hours followed by a heat pack if the pain lasts beyond 48 hours.
Arthritic flare-ups may occur as a result of overactivity, joint trauma, or exertion. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection, or weight gain.
The duration of stress is directly proportional to the severity of the arthritic inflammation. Stress is also a triggering factor for arthritic flare-ups. Consecutively, untreated arthritis with constant pain, fatigue, and poor sleep can aggravate stress which further exacerbates arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the type of joint inflammation caused due to mechanical wear and tear of the joints, whereas rheumatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the joints.
Last reviewed at:
09 Sep 2022 - 1 min read
RATING
Rheumatology
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
How can arthritis be confirmed?
Query: Hello doctor, Kindly confirm if I am arthritic from the available reports. Read Full »
How dangerous is staphylococcus infection?
Query: Hi doctor,I had unprotected sex two months back and developed a Streptococcal infection within a day. I took Amoxicillin to get rid of it. Within five days developed a yeast infection and got treatment for that. Now, I have reactive arthritis. I got two painless red bumps on the back of my hand and ... Read Full »
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Joint Swelling or Arthritis Pain?
Ask a Doctor Online