Arthritis is a condition that damages your joints. Joints are sites in the body where two bones contact. Some joints naturally wear down with age. Many people develop arthritis as a result of life's regular wear and tear. Some types of arthritis develop as the result of joint injury. Certain medical issues can also cause arthritis. Arthritis can affect every joint, but is most commonly found in people's:

• Hands and wrists.
• Knees.
• Hips.
• Feet and ankles.
• Shoulders.
• Lower back.

Symptoms

The most common arthritis symptoms are:

• Joint pain.
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion.
• Swelling.
• Skin discoloration.
• Tenderness or sensitivity to touch around a joint.
• A feeling of heat or warmth near your joints.

Causes

The cause of arthritis varies according to the type:

• Osteoarthritis develops naturally as you age; a lifetime of using your joints can wear down the cartilage cushioning.
• If you have an abnormally high level of uric acid in your blood, you may develop gout.
• Your immune system can cause arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis) by accidentally damaging your joints.
• Certain viral infections, including COVID-19, can cause viral arthritis.
• Arthritis may occur without a known cause or trigger. Providers refer to this as idiopathic arthritis.

Diagnosis

A physical exam is used by a healthcare provider to diagnose arthritis. They will look at your affected joints and ask about your symptoms. Tell your doctor when you first noticed symptoms like pain and stiffness, and whether any activities or times of day exacerbate them. Your provider will most likely check your range of motion (the distance you can move a joint). They may compare the range of motion of one joint to that of another, similar joint (such as your other knee, ankle, or fingers). Your physician may utilize imaging tests to acquire photos of your joints, including:

• X-ray.
• Ultrasound.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• A computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment

There is no cure for arthritis, but your doctor can help you identify therapies that will help you manage your symptoms. The therapies you'll require are determined by the cause of your arthritis, the type you have, and which joints are affected. The most prevalent arthritis therapies are:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen.
• Corticosteroids (prescription anti-inflammatory medications, including cortisone shots).
• If you have rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, you may be prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Physical and occupational therapy can help you increase your strength, range of motion, and confidence while moving.
• Surgery (usually only when nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms).

Arthritis surgery

If various therapies fail to relieve your severe arthritis, surgery may be required. The two most common arthritis surgeries are joint fusion and joint replacement. Joint fusion means surgically connecting bones together. It is most commonly used for bones in the spine (spinal fusion) or ankle (ankle fusion). If your joints are injured or you have bone loss, you may require an arthroplasty (joint replacement). Your surgeon will remove your injured native joint and replace it with a prosthesis. You may need a partial or total joint replacement.

Prevention

Some varieties of arthritis develop naturally or as a result of unchangeable health conditions, thus there is no way to prevent them. You can reduce your risks of acquiring arthritis by:

• Choosing not to use tobacco products.
• Following a healthy diet and exercise routine.
• Doing low-impact exercise.
• Always wear proper protective equipment when participating in any activity that may cause joint damage.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a chronic ailment that can have a substantial influence on daily living; nevertheless, with the correct management measures, people can live an active and satisfying life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment choices enables better symptom management and general well-being. If you suspect you have arthritis, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and specific treatment plan.