What is Arthritis (Joint Pain)?

Arthritis” literally means joint inflammation”

Bones are joined together by joints, which assist in movement and provide support. However, joint damage caused by illness or trauma can limit range of motion and cause significant discomfort that may leads to arthritis.

The Cause of arthritis

Joint pain is a common occurrence, particularly as individuals age. In a national survey, approximately one-third of respondents reported experiencing joint discomfort in the previous 30 days. Knee pain was the most frequent complaint, followed by shoulder and hip pain. However, joint pain can affect any part of the body, including the hands, shoulders, ankles, and feet.

Conditions That Can Cause Aching Joints

Arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints. It is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is often associated with the wear and tear of joints over time. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine are commonly affected, as well as the hands and fingers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing chronic inflammation. It primarily affects smaller joints, such as those in the hands and feet, but can also involve other joints throughout the body. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and sometimes fever.

Other Types of Arthritis

There are several other types of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis, gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in children), and reactive arthritis (caused by an infection in another part of the body).

Treatment Options for Arthritis

While arthritis is a chronic condition without a cure, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include:

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Other medications, like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents, are used specifically for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune forms of this disease.

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist can help improve joint function, strengthen muscles around the affected joints, and enhance flexibility and range of motion.

Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing joint-friendly activities can help reduce strain on the joints and improve overall well-being.

Assistive Devices

The use of assistive devices such as braces, splints, or canes can provide support to the affected joints and alleviate pain.

Surgery

In severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, joint replacement surgery may be considered. This involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint.

It’s important for individuals with arthritis to work closely with healthcare professionals, such as rheumatologists and physical therapists, to develop a personalized treatment plan and manage their symptoms effectively.

Diagnosing Arthritis

To diagnose arthritis, healthcare providers typically take the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination. They may also perform various tests, including:

Blood Tests

• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: Checks antibody levels in the blood.
• Complete blood count (CBC): Checks white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet levels.
• Creatinine: Tests for kidney disease.
• Sedimentation rate: Finds inflammation.
• Hematocrit: Measures the number of red blood cells.
• RF (rheumatoid factor) and CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibody tests: Helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and assess its severity.
• White blood cell count: Checks the level of white blood cells in the blood.
• Uric acid: Helps diagnose gout.

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis): Takes a small sample of synovial fluid from a joint to test for crystals, bacteria, or viruses.
• X-rays or other imaging tests: Assesses joint damage.
• Urine test: Checks for protein and different types of blood cells.
• HLA tissue typing: Looks for genetic markers of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Skin biopsy: Helps diagnose arthritis involving the skin, such as lupus or psoriatic variety.
• Muscle biopsy: Assists in diagnosing conditions affecting muscles.

Treating Arthritis

The treatment of arthritis depends on symptoms, age, general health, type of arthritis, and the severity of the condition. Treatment plans are personalized for each individual in collaboration with their healthcare provider. While there is no cure for arthritis, the goal of treatment is often to limit pain, inflammation, and ensure joint function. Treatment options can include both short-term and long-term approaches.

Short-term Treatments

• Medications: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide short-term relief for pain and inflammation.
• Heat and cold therapy: Moist heat or dry heat can help alleviate pain, while cold therapy reduces pain and swelling.
• Joint immobilization: Splints or braces can rest and protect joints from further injury.
• Massage: Light massage can increase blood flow and provide warmth to painful muscles.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A TENS device delivers mild electrical pulses to nerve endings in the painful area, blocking pain signals to the brain and altering pain perception.
• Acupuncture: Thin needles inserted at specific points in the body may stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the nervous system.

Long-term Treatments

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These prescription medications can slow down the progression of the disease and treat immune system problems associated with the disease.
• Corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation and swelling and can be taken orally or as injections.
• Hyaluronic acid therapy: Injecting joint fluid, such as hyaluronic acid, into affected joints like the knee may help relieve symptoms.
• Surgery: Various surgical options, such as arthroscopy, fusion, or joint replacement, are available depending on the affected joints. Rehabilitation programs are essential for full recovery after surgery.

Arthritis treatment may involve a team of healthcare providers, including orthopaedists, rheumatologists, physiatrists, primary care doctors, rehabilitation nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and recreational therapists.

Although managing the symptoms of arthritis can be challenging, it is possible to live with the condition. Incorporating regular exercise, following a balanced diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and adhering to prescribed medications can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Working closely with healthcare professionals will help individuals create a personalized treatment strategy appropriate for their needs