Arthritis Treatment in India

Arthritis is a condition of inflammation of the joints. It can either affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than hundred different types of arthritis, with each one of then having different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults above the age of 65. Arthritis is more common in women than men and in those who are overweight.

What causes arthritis?

• Cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue in the joints. It protects the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock created due to continuous movement. A reduction in the adequate amounts of this cartilage tissue cause some forms of arthritis.
• Normal wear and tear causes OA, which is one of the most common forms of arthritis. The risk of developing OA may be higher due to the family history of the disease.
• RA is an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissues of the body. These attacks affect the soft tissues in the joints which produces a fluid that nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints.

Symptoms of arthritis:

Joint pain, stiffness and swelling are the most common symptoms of arthritis. The normal range of motion may also decrease, and there may be redness of the skin around the joint. In the case of RA there is an experience of fatigue and loss of appetite due to the inflammation caused by the immune system activity. Severe RA can cause joint deformity if left untreated.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of arthritis will start with the doctor performing a physical exam. During this, the doctor will check for fluid around the joints, warm or red joints and limited range of motion in the joints. Doctors commonly use imaging scans such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans to produce an image of your bones and cartilage.

Treatment for arthritis:

• Medication- Different types of medications are used to treat arthritis. They include:

1. Analgesics or acetaminophen are used as it is effective for pain management, but don’t help decrease inflammation.
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which help control pain and inflammation.
3. Menthol or capsaicin creams which help block the transmission of pain signals from the joints.

• Surgery- It is done to replace the joint with an artificial one. This form of surgery is most commonly performed to replace hips and knees.
• Physical Therapy- It involves exercises which help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint is a core component of arthritis treatment.

Santpure Foundation for Joint Replacement and Advanced Orthopaedics is a modern multi-speciality hospital with state of the art technology built specially for orthopaedic patients in Maharashtra.

Visit us: http://drsantpure.com
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