Ankle and Feet | Arthritis | Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition of the joints and affects different individuals in different ways; therefore, the features, complications, prognosis, and treatments vary with individuals. Usually, arthritis reduces the quality of life for the affected individuals. Each day, millions of people suffer due to the pain and disability associated with arthritis and related complications.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that involves the inflammation of joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints. It is not a single condition but includes several different types (over 100 have been identified). The most common types include osteoarthritis (which involves wear and tear of cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of bones), and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease in which the immune system cells attack one's own joint tissues).

What are the symptoms of Arthritis?

The associated symptoms may vary with the type of arthritis and may include:

Joint swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth
Loss of range of motion of the joint
Stiffness and weakness
Locking of the joints
Difficulty in walking

What are the root causes of Arthritis and its risk factors?

Depending on the type of arthritis, the causes may include:

Injury (usually leads to osteoarthritis)
Metabolic abnormalities (for example, increased uric acid levels can lead to gout, while hypercalcemia can lead to pseudogout)
Autoimmune dysfunction (usually lead to rheumatoid arthritis)
Certain bacterial and viral infections (septic arthritis)

Arthritis can usually affect adults, both males and females. There are certain types of arthritis that can affect children as well. The risk of injury from certain activities can lead to trauma-related arthritis. Obesity can increase the risk of developing arthritis due to the stress on the joints associated with excess weight. Genetic predisposition is one of the risk factors for arthritis.

How is Arthritis diagnosed?

The pattern of symptoms is used to make the diagnosis. Early diagnosis of the type of arthritis helps prevent further damage to the joint.

The doctor reviews the history of symptoms and performs a physical examination of the joints to check for inflammation, deformity, and range of motion of the affected joint. Also, he or she may examine other body parts for signs of disease. Further, one or more of the following tests may be ordered to identify the type of arthritis:

Laboratory tests usually involve the analysis of bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and joint fluid. The most common being blood. If there is no sufficient evidence, the doctor can draw a small sample of the joint fluid by inserting a needle into the joint space for analysis.

Imaging tests may be conducted to detect internal problems that might be causing the symptoms. The most common imaging tests include:

X-rays: X-rays may be used to detect joint space narrowing, cartilage loss, and joint spurs (the common signs of osteoarthritis). X-rays are usually used to track the disease's progression and are not helpful in the early stages of arthritis.
Ultrasound: It uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images of cartilage and bursae (i.e., the fluid-filled structures near the joints).
Computerized tomography (CT) scans provide cross-sectional views of the internal structures by combining images taken from different angles. CT scans provide images of both bones and adjacent tissues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI provides more detailed images. It is used to obtain cross-sectional images in multiple planes. Other than giving accurate information about the bones, it is also the best method to study adjacent soft tissues like cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and others.

What are the treatment options?

Even though the causes may be multiple, the treatment principles remain the same for most varieties. Treatment aims at reducing the symptoms, preventing further damage to the joints, and improving joint mobility. The doctor may try different combinations of treatments to determine the best treatment for an individual.

One or more of the following medications may be prescribed to improve the joint function:

Analgesics (painkillers) such as acetaminophen or hydrocodone are effective in reducing pain but cannot reduce inflammation.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen or salicylates, can relieve pain and control inflammation.
Counterirritants such as menthol or capsaicin containing creams may be applied locally to block the transmission of pain signals from joints to the brain
Immunosuppressants such as cortisone or prednisone can minimize inflammation
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate stop the immune system from attacking the body's tissues. They are, therefore, usually effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis

Surgery may be necessary in advanced stages to replace the affected joint with an artificial one. It is most commonly done to replace weight-bearing joints and other large joints like knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow joints.

Joint fusion is a procedure in which the ends of the bones are locked together until healing occurs and is performed in severe afflictions of arthritis like septic arthritis and arthritis of the wrist, hand, and foot joints.

Some forms of arthritis can be improved with physical therapy. Regular exercise helps strengthen the musculoskeletal system, thereby providing joint stability and improving balance.

Self-care

Taking the following measures can help to minimize the symptoms of arthritis:

Regular exercises, such as swimming and aerobics, can improve the flexibility of the joints.
Losing excess weight can reduce the stress on the weight-bearing joints, thereby improving mobility and reducing the risk of future injuries.
The use of heating pads and cold packs can relieve the pain.
The use of assistive devices such as walkers, canes, and raised toilets can improve the ability to carry out daily activities.