Arthritis and its early detection
Dr Akhilesh Yadav
Joint pain is not new or unusual these days, since a greater proportion of the young and middle-aged population has been identified as suffering from it. While COVID has posed a serious threat to public health, those infected have been confined to their homes or hospitalised for long periods of time. In addition, the virus’s side effects have caused muscular and joint weakness.
Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints enlarge and become tender. Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses a variety of conditions. Joint pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of arthritis, which normally worsen with age. One out of every four people in the country suffers from some form of arthritis. And there has been an exponential growth in such situations, particularly among women and youth, which is cause for alarm.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common Types of arthritis.
The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness in the knees as people age. It begins with the roughening of cartilage
Early stages of osteoarthritis can occur without producing any pain or discomfort. However, it can cause internal joint injury, as well as discomfort and stiffness.
Adults of any age are susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis. People between the ages of 40 and 60 are most likely to develop it. Women are more likely than men to suffer from this condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins in the minor joints of the hands and feet, although it can also affect the same joints on both sides of the body. It might begin slowly and worsen over time, or it can begin abruptly.
Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms normally arise gradually, although they can often appear unexpectedly.
The joints are the most prevalent arthritis indications and symptoms. The following signs and symptoms may be present depending on the type of arthritis:
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion
• Obesity
• Autoimmune disorders
• Genes or family history
• Muscle weakness
Risk factors
Risk factors for arthritis include:
• Family history – If your parents or siblings have arthritis, you may be more prone to acquire it as well.
• Gender – Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men, but Gout, a different kind of arthritis, affects mostly men.
• Joint injury in the past- People who have injured a joint, maybe while participating in sports, are more prone to develop arthritis in that joint in the future.
• Age. Many types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, become more common as people get older.
• Obesity. Excess weight puts strain on joints, especially the knees, hips, and spine. Obese people are at a higher risk of developing Arthritis.
Why early treatment is important
Early diagnosis is critical for preventing further damage, yet arthritis is frequently misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. This is frequently due to a lack of awareness. It’s critical to understand the signs and symptoms of arthritis and to get medical help if you’re concerned. Daily activities are affected if not addressed properly, lowering people’s quality of life and decreasing physical ability.
It’s critical to have an early diagnosis if you want to do well with inflammatory arthritis in the short and long run; in fact, a patient’s future mobility could depend on it.
Arthritis can be treated if the patient seeks treatment at the appropriate time. It is also advisable to get blood tests done on time and take supplements to avoid developing arthritis later in life. Controlling pain, minimizing joint impairment, and improving or maintaining function and quality of life are all goals of arthritis treatment.
Treatment is possible if started on time and followed consistently. This will aid in the reduction of impairment and the improvement of quality of life. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can rehabilitate and lessen intensity to improve their quality of life.
Unfortunately, rather than seeking help at the Right time, some people may wait until the pain and swelling become severe and debilitating, when their lives are interrupted and they are unable to perform the activities they typically do, to seek medical help. Unfortunately, the disease may have advanced beyond the early stages by then, and joint damage may have happened.
Exercise can help to keep your joints flexible. Swimming is a wonderful type of exercise for those with arthritis since it doesn’t place as much strain on the joints as running or walking does. Staying active is crucial, but listening to your body when it signals that it needs to relax and avoiding overexertion are as important.
(The author is Associate Director and Unit Head Orthopaedic, Max Hospital Vaishali)
KV Network
