Our bodies have bones, muscles and joints which work together to produce a smooth movement. However, if any one of the parts is damaged, torn or ruptured due to an issue, problems occur. For instance, if the bone is broken due to an accident, it becomes difficult for the person to do the activities associated with the bone movement. Similarly, Arthritis happens due to the difficulty in the movement of joints. All age groups, including children, are diagnosed with this condition. As a result, several Arthritis treatment centres are established in and around cities.
A joint holds the bone and allows free movement within its limits. The movement of body parts, like fingers, legs, hands, shoulders and neck, happens smoothly because of joints. These joints are surrounded by a capsule filled with a lubricant. The lubricant eases the movement of bones. So, Joints are crucial for bone movement. Now, Arthritis is a common disorder among people of all age groups. It refers to joint inflammation. But today, the term is associated with numerous conditions related to joint pains and tissues surrounding it. In any case, there are some common types of arthritis for which different arthritis treatments are preferred.
Arthritis symptoms
When a person suffers from some pain related to joints, he can take some medicines initially. However, if the pain is prolonged and is severe, it is advised to check the symptoms of arthritis. The possible symptoms could be:
- Severe pain
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Tenderness
Causes of Arthritis
The arthritis treatment is given according to symptoms, type and the disease’s extent. First, doctors check the patient and then offer the treatment according to his condition. Arthritis condition may be developed due to different reasons. For example, it may occur due to a family history condition or a job that puts extra stress on joints or some autoimmune infections. In any case, the two main arthritis conditions are:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis. It is also called “wear & tear” arthritis which develops due to heavy stress. The cartilage tissue at the end of joints breaks down due to much stress leading to pain during the movement. As a result, the joint lining may be inflamed or swollen. Women develop this condition commonly due to their work stress. This wear and tear can occur over many years and causes much pain during the movement as two bones directly rub each other.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Here, the immune system in our body attacks synovial membranes in joints. Synovium is a soft tissue in joints that produces a fluid to nourish the joints. When the immune system attacks it, the lubricant is damaged, thus eventually destroying cartilage and membranes.
Arthritis treatment measures
Arthritis disease has no proper cure. However, some treatment procedures can reduce the pain and its effects. Today, numerous arthritis treatment measures are developed to manage the condition. It includes both surgical and non-surgical methods. The non-surgical procedures include:
- Medication and supplements
There are different types of anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing medications for arthritis. Some of them include
- Analgesics like Tylenol are effective in pain management.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, reduce pain and manage inflammation.
- Menthol creams block the pain signals.
- Steroids can be taken for a brief period to ease the pain.
- Biologics and immunosuppressants moderate the inflammatory arthritis condition.
- Physical therapy
Therapy involves exercises and body treatment movements that help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint. As a result, it improves range of motion and overall mobility. A physical therapist can give suggestions and recommend a proper plan of exercise. The daily movement increases strength and flexibility in joints.
- Therapeutic injections
Arthritis in certain knee joints can be improved with viscosupplementation treatment. This kind of arthritis treatment injects the lubricant to help ease the movement of joints.
Surgical methods
While these non-surgical methods can be effective for treating mild cases of arthritis, there are some surgical procedures too. Surgeries are recommended for severe cases of arthritis. In some emergency conditions, no treatment procedures reduce the pain of patients. It is then the doctors recommend the surgical methods. Here, the two popular surgical procedures for arthritis treatment are:
- Fusion
Fusion immobilizes a joint and permanently fuses two bones together. A splint is placed between to prevent the injured area from moving further. This procedure gradually reduces the pain while moving.
- Joint replacement
An artificial joint is replaced permanently by removing the damaged arthritic joint. The knee replacement, shoulder replacement and ankle replacement procedures belong to this category. All these methods preserve joint function and movement.
Conclusion
Arthritis has now become a common disease that affects almost all age groups. So, different arthritis treatment measures are used to treat patients in hospitals. The symptoms of pain, swelling and redness in joints can be reduced by non-surgical methods such as medication and physical therapy. However, if the pain is too severe, it is advised to go for replacement surgery. All these treatment measures help improve a patient’s joint condition and thus reduce the pain.
