Arthritis - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Arthritis or arthritis is inflammation that occurs in one or more joints, causing the joints to become stiff and difficult to move.

Arthritis can be experienced by all age groups, including adolescents and children. However, this condition is most common in people over the age of 65. Arthritis can be caused by a variety of things. One of them is the buildup of uric acid crystals known as uric acid gout arthritis .

Causes of Arthritis

The causes of arthritis vary. Based on the cause, arthritis can be divided into several types, namely:

  • Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis is inflammation of the joints caused by the thinning and breakdown of cartilage. This condition will cause direct friction between bones.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the joints caused by an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.

  • Reactive arthritis orReiter's syndrome

    Reactive arthritis is inflammation of the joints caused by an inflammatory reaction that occurs in other parts of the body. This condition is often triggered by a bacterial infection that occurs in the urinary tract.

  • Septic arthritis

    Septic arthritis or infectious arthritis is inflammation of the joints caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the joints.

  • Goutarthritis

    Gout arthritis is inflammation of the joints caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Men are more at risk of developing this disease.

In addition to some of the possible causes above, there are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk of developing arthritis, including:

  • Age, for example, osteoarthritis which is more common in people over 65 years old
  • Gender, for example gout arthritis which is more common in men
  • History of disease, such as gout, infectious disease, or autoimmune disease
  • History of joint injury
  • Obesity

Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis will generally cause symptoms in the form of:

  • Joint pain and stiffness in the joints
  • Swelling in the joints
  • Limited range of motion
  • Redness and warmth in the joints
  • Decreased size of the muscles around the joints (muscle atrophy)
  • Decreased muscle strength around the joints

Other symptoms that can be felt by people with arthritis usually correspond to the underlying cause of this condition, including:

  • Fever, if caused by an infectious disease
  • Feeling tired and weak for no apparent reason
  • There is a friction sound when the joint is moved
  • The appearance of bone spurs or additional bone around the inflamed joint
  • A lump appears in the joint that is inflamed
  • Difficulty moving parts of the body that have arthritis

When to go to the doctor

Check with your doctor if you experience the symptoms of arthritis mentioned above, especially if the symptoms get worse or interfere with activities.

If you suffer from arthritis, do regular checkups according to the schedule given by your doctor. This aims to monitor the condition of the arthritis you are experiencing, your body's response to the drugs given by the doctor, and the effects of the therapy you are undergoing, as well as to prevent complications.

Arthritis Diagnosis

To diagnose arthritis, the doctor will first ask questions about the patient's complaints and medical history. After that, the doctor will perform an examination of the joint to look for signs of inflammation and limitation of joint motion.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform supporting examinations in the form of:

  • Blood tests, to determine the cause of arthritis, whether infection or autoimmune disease
  • Scans with ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to detect inflammation of the bones and joints
  • Analysis of joint fluid, to determine whether there is inflammation or infection in the joints
  • Arthrocenthesis , to detect signs of infection in the joints

Arthritis Treatment

Treatment of arthritis aims to address the cause, relieve symptoms, and improve joint function so that patients can continue to function normally. Some of the treatment options that will be given by the doctor to treat arthritis are:

Drug-medicine

Giving drugs aims to overcome inflammation and relieve complaints in the joints. Some types of drugs that are usually given are:

  • Pain medication, such as paracetamol or capsaicin cream
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs that can also relieve pain, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid drugs

To treat arthritis caused by autoimmune diseases, doctors can give drugs disease-modifying antirheumaticdrugs (DMARDs). Examples of DMARDs are: hydroxychlorquine or methotrexate .

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is done to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve the body's ability to move. This will restore the reduced movement function due to arthritis. One example of simple physiotherapy that can be done to treat arthritis is giving warm or cold compresses.

Operation

Surgery is performed to repair or replace damaged joints. This treatment option will be done if the symptoms of arthritis are very severe and cannot be treated with drugs.

Some types of surgery that can be done to treat arthritis are: arthrodesis , osteotomy , and arthroplasty.

In addition to undergoing treatment from a doctor, people with arthritis are also advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle by doing the following:

  • Maintain ideal body weight

    People with arthritis who are overweight are advised to lose weight by adjusting their diet or diet. If you lose weight, the pressure on your joints will also decrease.

  • Exercise regularly

    Exercising regularly can increase endurance and strengthen the muscles around the joints, and make the joints more stable. The recommended exercise is the type of exercise that does not put excessive pressure on the joints, such as swimming.

Complications of Arthritis

Arthritis that is not treated properly has the potential to cause a number of complications, including:

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Depression and anxiety disorders
  • Productivity decline
  • Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis (bone tissue death)
  • Foot deformity
  • Osteoporosis

Arthritis Prevention

You can lower your risk of developing arthritis by taking the following steps:

  • Maintain ideal body weight
  • Always be active, move diligently, and exercise regularly
  • Maintain good posture when sitting or standing
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables. and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids and chondrotin sulfate, such as sea fish and sea cucumber.
  • Take regular check-ups if you have an autoimmune disease, gout, or an infectious disease that can increase the risk of arthritis