What is Arthritis? Causes and Solution

• Arthritis is a medical condition involving inflammation of one or more joints
• It causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced joint movement
• It is not a single disease but a group of over 100 joint-related conditions
• It can affect people of any age, but risk increases with age

Common Types of Arthritis
 

Osteoarthritis

• Most common type
• Caused by wear and tear of cartilage
• Common in knees, hips, spine, hands

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• An autoimmune disease
• Immune system attacks joint lining
• Causes swelling, pain, and joint deformity

Gout

• Caused by uric acid crystal buildup
• Sudden, severe pain (often in the big toe)

Psoriatic Arthritis

• Occurs in people with psoriasis
• Affects joints and skin

Infectious Arthritis

Caused by bacterial or viral infection
 

Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Affects the spine and lower back
• Causes stiffness and posture problems

Symptoms of Arthritis
 

• Joint pain that may worsen with movement
• Morning stiffness lasting minutes to hours
• Swelling and tenderness around joints
• Warmth or redness over joints
• Reduced flexibility and range of motion
• Fatigue (common in autoimmune arthritis)
• Joint deformity in advanced stages

Causes and Risk Factors

• Aging
• Joint injury or overuse
• Genetics or family history
• Obesity (extra stress on joints)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Infections
• Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle

Joints Commonly Affected

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands and fingers
• Spine and neck
• Feet and ankles
• Shoulders

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• X-rays or MRI
• Blood tests (especially for autoimmune arthritis)
• Joint fluid analysis (in some cases)

Treatment and Management

• Pain-relief medicines and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physiotherapy and regular exercise
• Weight management
• Hot or cold therapy
• Joint-support devices
• Lifestyle and dietary changes
• Surgery in severe cases (joint replacement)

Prevention and Care

• Stay physically active
• Maintain healthy body weight
• Eat anti-inflammatory foods
• Avoid joint overuse
• Manage stress
• Get early medical advice if symptoms appear