Arthritis Treatment in Delhi, India

Arthritis is inflammation of joints, which refers to diseases that affect joints and connective tissue around joints. The most common form, osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease), is a result of joint trauma, joint infection, or age. Some other forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases.

Arthritis Symptoms

There are different types of arthritis, so the symptoms also vary. The symptoms range from mild to severe and may be intermittent or remain throughout life. The most common symptoms of arthritis are:

• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Redness of the skin around a joint
• Decreased range of motion
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Limited movement
• Warmth
• Tenderness
• Pain while moving.

Arthritis Causes

The cause of arthritis depends on its type. Following are some of the major causes of arthritis:

• Faulty immune response in which immune cells damage the body’s own cells.
• Metabolic disturbances such as an increase in uric acid.
• Obesity
• Repetitive movements
• History of injury

Different Types of Arthritis 

• Osteoarthritis- The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)/wear-and-tear arthritis. Most commonly, it affects weight-bearing joints such as the knee.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own cells, resulting in joint pain and swelling.
• Childhood Arthritis- It is also known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. As the name suggests, it is inflammation of joints in children, and it can permanently damage joints, making it difficult to walk.
• Fibromyalgia- Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes musculoskeletal pain and is often accompanied by altered sleep, fatigue, and mood issues. It is generally triggered by physical or emotional stress.
• Gout- It is caused due to an increase in uric acid in the body. Excess uric acid converts into crystals that cause pain and inflammation of joints.
• Lupus- Lupus is a condition in which a faulty immune response leads to damage to body cells, and it can affect joints, blood cells, skin, heart, lungs and brain.

 Risk Factors for Arthritis

• Family history- Arthritis can run in families and be passed on from one generation to another.
• Age- With advancing age, the risk of arthritis increases.
• Your sex- Most arthritis affects women more than men, but some types of arthritis, such as gout, affect men more than women.
• Previous joint injury- A history of injury increases the risk of arthritis.
• Obesity- Obesity can affect weight-bearing joints and may be one of the more significant risk factors for arthritis.

How is Arthritis Diagnosed? 

Arthritis is diagnosed with the help of the following modalities:

• Physical examination- The doctor checks for redness, swelling and warmth.

• Laboratory examination- The following lab tests may be used to diagnose arthritis:

- Antinuclear antibody

- Complement tests

- Arthrocentesis

- Complete blood count

- C-reactive protein

- Creatinine

- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

- Rheumatoid factor

- Urinalysis

- Uric acid test

- Haematocrit

• Imaging techniques

- X-Ray- It helps identify bone damage and deformities.

- Ultrasound- Ultrasound helps to assess ligament, tendon and synovial tissue.

- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are better than X-Ray as they give a better picture of damage and deformities.

- Arthroscopy- Arthroscopy is a procedure used to see the inside of a joint using a small camera called an arthroscope. It requires a small incision to allow the insertion of a camera and helps detect bone diseases and tumours.

Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is treated with medications and physiotherapy. But when conservative treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be advised.

• Medications- The following medications may be used to treat arthritis:

- NSAIDs- Certain over-the-counter pain-relieving medications can provide pain relief. Doctors may suggest stronger medications that are available only on prescription.

- Topical ointments- The doctor may advise the patient to apply ointments containing capsaicin or menthol for pain relief.

- Corticosteroids- Injection of corticosteroids may be given directly into the joint, and it is sometimes combined with local anaesthesia to provide pain relief.

- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)- It is given to treat the underlying cause of arthritis and provide pain relief. It is given to patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Physical therapy- The doctor may refer the patient to a physiotherapist who will help the patient with strengthening exercises. The physiotherapist may also use ultrasound and TENS to provide pain relief.

• Surgery- One of the following surgeries may be advised: 

Osteotomy- In Osteotomy procedure, the damaged bone piece is removed, and joint surfaces are scraped and smoothened.

Joint replacement- Joint replacement surgery involves the replacement of the joint with an artificial joint.

Joint fusion- It is a treatment modality most commonly used for smaller joints such as the ankle and wrist. The doctor may use rods, wires, plates or pins to join the two bones and make a continuous joint.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Vikas Gupta, Director - Orthopaedics and Head - Hand & Shoulder Surgery, Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy & Sports Injury.