Arthritis is swelling and pain felt in one or more joints. The main symptoms are characterized by joint pain and stiffness, which usually worsens with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes cartilage to break down. Cartilage itself is a hard, slippery tissue that covers the bones of the joints. While rheumatoid arthritis is a disease when the immune system attacks healthy joints, starting from the outermost layer of the joint.
Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms felt by sufferers will be in accordance with the type experienced. Here are the symptoms of each:
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage lining of the joints, causing pain and difficulty moving. OA is common in middle-aged people, especially those in their late 40s and older. The loss of cartilage causes bones to rub together, changing the shape of the joint and forcing bones out of their normal positions.
OA often occurs in the joints of the hands, spine, knees, and hips, which is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Joints lose flexibility of movement.
- Increased pain and stiffness when not moving the joint for a while.
- The joints appear slightly larger than normal.
- There is a sound in the joint every time it moves.
- Weakness and loss of muscle mass in the joints.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
People between the ages of 40 and 50 are generally at high risk of developing RA. The outer covering of the joint is the first place to be affected. Then, the inflammation will spread to the surrounding joints. If someone has RA, they will experience changes in the shape of their joints.
If it gets worse, RA can trigger problems in tissues and organs. This disease cannot be underestimated, because rheumatoid arthritis is what causes sufferers to be unable to do normal activities as usual. Here are the symptoms that need immediate treatment:
- A throbbing pain sensation in the arm that is worse in the morning.
- Joint stiffness that causes the fingers to not bend or clench the fist.
- Swelling, warmth and redness of the joint due to inflammation. Some sufferers develop symptoms in the area around the joint.
- Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy.
- Experiencing increased body temperature and sweating.
- Experiencing decreased appetite which leads to weight loss.
This condition can sometimes cause problems in other areas of the body, such as dry eyes and chest pain. Chest pain occurs when the heart or lungs are affected by the disease.
Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis occurs when cartilage tissue becomes inflamed, resulting in impaired joint function. Cartilage is a connective tissue that functions to protect bones from rubbing against each other when moving. The causes of arthritis can vary depending on the type.
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown and tearing of joint cartilage, a tough, smooth coating on the ends of bones. This breakdown causes the bones to rub together, causing joint pain and limited movement. This wear and tear on the joints can occur over many years and can be accelerated by joint injury or infection.
Meanwhile, the triggering factors for osteoarthritis are:
- Joint injuries resulting from not having enough time to heal after an injury or surgery.
- Secondary arthritis, which is a condition that occurs as a result of the bone itself being severely damaged by a previous or existing condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
- The risk of developing OA continues to increase with age.
- Having a family history of the same condition.
- Being overweight. Obesity puts extra stress on joints, especially the knees and hips.
- You are a woman.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the lining of the joint capsule, a membrane that covers all parts of the joint. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. If this process continues, the disease can damage the cartilage and bone in the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, meaning it is caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it is not yet known what triggers it. However, here are some conditions that are suspected to be triggers for RA:
- Having a family history of the same disease.
- You are a woman.
- Active smoker.
Arthritis Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose the type of arthritis by conducting a complete medical interview, a thorough physical examination, and appropriate supporting examinations, including:
- X-ray
X-rays are useful for visualizing bones, such as showing cartilage loss, bone damage, and bone spur damage. X-rays can also be used to determine the progression of the disease.
- Computerized Tomography or CT Scan
CT scans can be used to visualize the condition of bones and surrounding soft tissues that cannot be seen using regular bone x-rays.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses radio waves with a strong magnetic field. MRI can produce more detailed images of soft tissues, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
- Joint Fluid Analysis
Joint fluid analysis can be used to determine the level of inflammation in the joints and help doctors determine the type of arthritis the sufferer is experiencing.
Arthritis Prevention
Arthritis is a disease that makes sufferers have difficulty moving for a long period of time. This will automatically interfere with daily activities. Rather than bothering to treat it, you should take preventive measures with the following steps:
- Regular, light exercise to maintain joint flexibility. A good exercise choice for arthritis sufferers is swimming because it does not put pressure on the joints.
- Avoid excessive and continuous activities that involve the joints.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants to prevent and reduce joint inflammation.
- Maintain a healthy diet and maintain an ideal body weight to reduce the risk of developing arthritis and reduce symptoms in sufferers.
Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis is a disease that cannot be treated and cured completely. The treatment carried out is only aimed at relieving the symptoms experienced, as well as improving joint function. Some treatment methods that doctors will carry out to treat arthritis include:
- Medication. In osteoarthritis, medications that are often given include painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and corticosteroid drugs.
- Surgical procedures. In severe arthritis, your doctor may recommend surgery, such as:
- Arthroplasty (joint replacement), to replace a damaged joint with an artificial joint.
- Arthrodesis (joint fusion), which is when the ends of the bones are joined together until they heal and become one.
- Osteotomy, which is a condition where the bone is cut and realigned.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience symptoms such as joint pain, limited joint movement, redness of the skin around the joints, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, immediately discuss with a doctor.