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