Take charge of your joints

Arthritis means inflammation in the joints. An early diagnosis can be important as it ensures that people can avail of timely treatment. Arthritis is a progressive musculoskeletal condition associated with pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints leading to reduced mobility. It is more common in women and in developed countries. 

Symptoms

• Painful joints 
• Swelling around the joints
• Stiffness after some inactivity
• Crackling of joints
• Decreased range of motion

Types 

• Osteoarthritis (wear and tear of joints)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis 
• Psoriatic arthritis

Osteoarthritis

• It is the most common type of arthritis. 
• Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage wears away causing the bone to rub against bone.
• Risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury. 
• It is more common in females and with advancing age. 
• The knee and hip joints are more commonly involved. 

Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis belong to the spectrum of inflammatory arthritis wherein the body’s own immune system starts to destroy the cartilage of the joints. These develop at an earlier age than osteoarthritis and involve all joints of the body. 

Treatment of arthritis starts with an early and accurate diagnosis. A detailed examination by a specialist accompanied by X-rays/ MRI scans and blood tests will allow the doctor to diagnose the type of arthritis. 

Mild arthritis can be treated with regular exercise, physiotherapy, activity modification, giving up a sedentary lifestyle and the occasional pain killers. Inflammatory arthritis needs some specific medication which should be taken regularly under the supervision of a rheumatologist so that the damage to the joints is limited and the spread to other joints controlled. 

Moderate arthritis, in addition to above measures, needs regular pain medication and support for the joints like braces or a stick to walk. 

— Inputs from Dr Ashok Rajgopal, Chairman, Fortis Bone & Joint Institute, as part of advisory issued on 

World Arthritis Day, which was on October 12.