Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation of the membrane covering the joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common are:

  • Osteoarthritis: this is the most common type of arthritis. It usually begins with age and affects the fingers, knees and hips. In some cases it develops in areas where there was a previous blow or injury.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: occurs when the body’s defenses do not work properly. It affects both joints and bones, often in the hands and feet.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms that arthritis can present are:

  • Joint pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Redness and warmth of the skin around the joint
  • Decreased ability to move the joint
  • Joint stiffness, especially in the morning

What causes arthritis?

This pathology can be a consequence of:

  • Bone fracture
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Bacterial or viral infection
  • Joint wear and tear
  • Crystals (such as uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate).

Can arthritis be prevented?

Joint damage can be prevented with early and timely diagnosis and treatment. In addition, if someone has a family history, it is important to discuss it with the physician, even if they do not have any symptoms. It is also recommended to avoid repetitive and excessive movements to prevent osteoarthritis.

What is the treatment of osteoarthritis?

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing the disease from worsening. The treatment can be approached from several aspects:

  • Lifestyle changes: these are the preferred treatment, as exercises help reduce pain and fatigue, relieve stiffness and improve muscle and bone strength. The doctor may also recommend physiotherapy. Other measures may include sleeping 8-10 hours a day, not staying too long in the same position, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, among others.
  • Medicine: can be added to lifestyle changes.
  • Surgery: performed if other methods have not worked. The main intervention is arthroplasty, which consists of replacing the affected joint with an artificial one.