Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or multiple joints. Symptoms may manifest gradually over time or suddenly.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The primary symptoms of arthritis encompass joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, with these manifestations often intensifying in the morning or upon rising after periods of rest.

In osteoarthritis, additional symptoms may include:

• Limited range of motion that may improve after movement.
• Clicking or popping sounds during joint bending
• Muscle weakness surrounding the joint.
• Joint instability or a sensation of buckling
• Formation of bony growths in the fingers
• A grating or scraping sensation in the knees.

Distinctly, rheumatoid arthritis presents with its own set of symptoms, such as:

• Morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or more.
• Involvement of multiple joints
• Initial onset in smaller joints like those in the feet and hands
• Symmetry, with affected joints mirrored on both sides of the body.
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Inflammation affects the eyes and mouth.
• Inflammation of the heart muscle and blood vessels
• Reduced red blood cell count.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis can be attributed to a range of factors, including:

• Degenerative joint disorder due to wear and tear, particularly prevalent in adults over the age of 50 (referred to as age-related or degenerative arthritis).
• Injuries
• Obesity
• Autoimmune disorders
• Genetic predisposition or family history
• Muscle weakness

Osteoarthritis (O.A).

Degenerative joint disorder, also known as “wear and tear,” is a leading cause of osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most prevalent forms of arthritis. An infection or injury to the joints can further worsen this inherent deterioration of cartilage tissue.

Cartilage, a resilient and flexible connective tissue in your joints, plays a crucial role in shielding the joints by absorbing pressure and shock during movement and stress. A decrease in the usual amount of this cartilage tissue contributes to certain types of arthritis. If there is a family history of the disease, your susceptibility to developing OA may also be elevated.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another prevalent form of arthritis, is classified as an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body’s tissues, leading to inflammation in joints and other organs.

Within the joints, this inflammatory response specifically impacts synovium, a soft tissue responsible for producing fluid that nourishes cartilage and lubricates joints. Over time, this process results in the destruction of both bone and cartilage within the joint. While the precise cause of the immune system’s attacks remains unknown, scientists have identified genetic markers that can elevate the risk of developing RA fivefold.

What are the risk factors associated with arthritis?

The general risk factors for arthritis encompass:

• Obesity, particularly linked to osteoarthritis (OA), as excess weight imposes additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
• Age and gender, with an elevated risk of arthritis associated with advancing age. Women are more prone to develop most forms of arthritis, although gout is more prevalent in men.
• Overuse injuries, arising from repetitive stress during activities such as exercise or job-related tasks, which may heighten the risk of later developing OA in the affected joint(s).
• Genetic factors, including a family history of autoimmune diseases and specific inherited genes, contribute to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other related forms of arthritis.
• Smoking potentially escalates the risk of developing RA and exacerbates the impact of this autoimmune disease.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Initiating the diagnosis of arthritis often begins with consulting your primary care physician, especially if you are uncertain about which specialist to approach. Your primary care physician will conduct a thorough physical examination, assessing for signs like fluid presence around the joints, warmth, and redness, and documenting the range of motion in the joints. If necessary, your doctor can make referrals to specialists.

Additionally, common diagnostic tests include blood tests that examine specific antibodies, such as anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and antinuclear antibody (ANA). These tests help in the identification of markers indicative of arthritis.

Imaging scans like X-rays, MRI, and CT scans are frequently employed by doctors to generate images of bones and cartilage. These scans aid in excluding alternative causes of symptoms, such as bone spurs, contributing to a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.

How is arthritis treated?

The process of diagnosing arthritis typically commences with a visit to your primary care physician, particularly if you are uncertain about which specialist to consult. Your primary care physician will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, evaluating for signs such as the presence of fluid around the joints, warmth, and redness, and assessing the range of motion in the joints. If necessary, your doctor can provide referrals to specialists.

Moreover, common diagnostic procedures involve blood tests to analyze specific antibodies like anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and antinuclear antibody (ANA). These tests play a pivotal role in identifying markers indicative of arthritis.

In addition, doctors frequently utilize imaging scans such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to generate detailed images of bones and cartilage. These scans serve to rule out alternative causes of symptoms, such as bone spurs, thereby contributing to a thorough diagnostic evaluation.