Having arthritis can be an uncomfortable condition for people, especially when it comes to mobility. There are different types of arthritis, including Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, and Psoriatic arthritis. All these types of arthritis affect the joints in your body, and can cause joint pain and swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include tenderness, redness, or swelling in one or more joints. These symptoms may also include fatigue, difficulty moving, or pain. The disease may also affect other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The disease affects more women than men. Medications are available to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
The main goal of medication treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent further damage to joints. Some medicines may also have other side effects, so you need to discuss them with your doctor.
Physical therapy is also helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It can include deep heat treatments or massage, and it can help keep joints functioning properly. Occupational therapy can also help people who have rheumatoid arthritis to manage stress. An occupational therapist can also recommend assistive devices to help people with painful joints.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can relieve pain and inflammation. However, they do not prevent long-term joint damage from RA. In addition, they may increase the risk of liver damage. They are also addictive, so you may need to take them under the supervision of a doctor.
If RA is not responding to NSAIDs or biologics, doctors may try a JAK inhibitor. These drugs work by targeting a protein that is part of the immune system. JAK inhibitors are particularly effective for people with rheumatoid arthritis that is not responding to other types of medicines.
The risk of developing RA is higher in people with a family history of the disease. Some people are also more likely to develop RA if they smoke, have a genetic predisposition, or have poor dental health. RA may also be confused with osteoarthritis, which is caused by daily wear and tear on the joints.
Other types of treatment include surgery. Surgery can be an effective treatment for severe joint damage, but it is important to consider all aspects of the disease when deciding whether surgery is right for you.
People with RA can develop vasculitis, which may damage blood vessels and the heart. It may also affect the spleen and pleura, which may cause chest pain and a swollen spleen. It can also lead to nerve damage.
Osteoarthritis
OA, also known as degenerative arthritis, is a condition characterized by loss of protective cartilage, which allows the bones to move smoothly and is crucial for shock absorption. OA most commonly affects the knee, spine, and neck. A variety of factors can increase the risk of OA. Some of these factors can be changed, while others are unavoidable.
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing osteoarthritis. The doctor will examine the affected joints for damage and inflammation. If these symptoms are present, he or she will make a diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms, history, and lab tests.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that often progresses slowly over a number of years. Although there is no cure, treatments can ease pain and reduce disability. A variety of therapies are available, including exercise, pain relievers, and medicines.
Some people with osteoarthritis can benefit from an exercise program, which strengthens the muscles that support the joints. A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise program for the patient. The program should also include exercises to improve general fitness.
Medications can also be helpful for osteoarthritis. Some are topical creams that are applied to the skin and others are taken as pills. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, paracetamol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common medications for the disease.
Osteoarthritis may also be treated by surgery. This is a procedure that is often used to relieve pain and replace severely damaged joints. A local anaesthetic may be given before the procedure.
Another treatment for osteoarthritis is acupuncture. Acupuncture can help with pain and may also improve blood flow to the affected joints. In addition, hot and cold therapy may also provide temporary relief.
Another type of surgery is arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a procedure that involves cleaning out damaged cartilage and tissue and repairing it. It is typically performed on the knee or shoulder.
In addition, the patient may be given injections of medications into the joint. Steroids are usually administered by the doctor. These medicines contain man-made versions of cortisol. These injections can ease pain for several weeks.
Psoriatic arthritis
During a flare of psoriatic arthritis, you may experience pain and discomfort in your joints. You may also experience changes in your nails and lack of energy. Your physician may prescribe medication to help control the inflammation. If you have severe psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery can relieve pain and restore function.
A flare of psoriatic arthritis may begin suddenly or gradually. It usually occurs in a joint on one side of the body. It may then progress to other joints in a few weeks. The inflammation causes swelling and pain.
People with psoriatic arthritis may also develop spondylitis. This is inflammation of the spine and other joints. The symptoms include back pain, stiffness, and movement impairment. You should see your physician as soon as you notice any changes in your symptoms. The goal of treatment is to achieve remission.
If your doctor feels that your psoriatic arthritis is not responding to medication, he or she may recommend a change of medications. This may include taking non-selective NSAIDS, which may damage your kidneys. In addition, they may increase the risk of heart attack and ulcers. The Arthritis Foundation has an app that allows you to track your symptoms, input your daily activities, and connect with other patients. It also allows you to connect with a peer-led support group.
When you are experiencing a flare of psoriatic disease, your physician may recommend splinting the joint. Splinting helps to ease pain and reduce inflammation. It can also be used to help maintain joint alignment. You should remove the splint from time to time.
Your doctor may also recommend that you exercise. Exercise helps to reduce inflammation, strengthen muscles, and conserve energy. Some patients report that heat and cold therapy can increase joint motion.
A flare of psoriatic disease can be triggered by stress or an illness. It may also occur at any point in the disease. It is never insignificant. You may need to switch to a different baseline therapy if you experience frequent flares. Identifying the triggers of your flare can help you avoid them.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. During this period, individuals with this type of arthritis typically experience back and neck pain. However, the disease can also affect other joints, including the eyes, bowels, and gastrointestinal tract. In severe cases, pain may last for months or even years.
If you have ankylosing spondylitis, your spine will have stiffness, making it difficult for you to bend and twist. You may experience neck pain and shoulder pain, and you may also experience fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can also affect the eyes, causing blurred vision.
There is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but the condition can be managed. Treatment can include medications, exercise, and modifying your posture. These therapies may also help to improve your overall mobility and alleviate pain.
You may be prescribed disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs to help slow the progression of the disease. These drugs usually have a long-term effect and require regular check-ups. They can also help to prevent joint damage. You may also be prescribed immune suppressing medications to reduce your body’s inflammatory response. You may also be referred to a physical therapist to help you develop a better posture.
You may also be referred to a rheumatologist, who specializes in disorders of joints, tendons, and ligaments. X-rays are used to determine the location of the joints affected by the disease. You may also be recommended to undergo surgery to repair damaged joints. In some cases, a total knee or hip replacement can help alleviate pain.
If you have ankylosing spine pain, you may want to consider getting a fusion, which is a surgical procedure that combines sections of vertebrae. This procedure can stiffen the rib cage and make it difficult to breathe. Using a cushion to support your back can also help.
If you have ankylosing arthritis, it is advisable to take short breaks from intense activity, and to use a cushion to help support your back. You should also alternate between sitting and standing. You should also take a short break from sneezing or coughing.