What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease but refers to more than 100 musculoskeletal conditions which affect the muscles, bones and joints. Arthritis affects people of all races, ethnicities, age and gender. 1 out of every 2 Indians has arthritis. It is the leading cause of disabling pains in India and the primary cause of hip and knee replacements.

Arthritis is usually caused by inflammation of the tissues lining the joints. Joints are the points where two bones meet like the knee or elbow. Severe arthritis can damage the joints and cause disability.

Types of arthritis

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis usually develops with age or due to past joint injuries. It causes degeneration of the cartilage tissue covering the joints. When the joints degenerate, it leads to pain, swelling and mobility issues. Osteoarthritis usually worsens over time and sometimes bits of bone and cartilage may break off and float around the joint. In severe cases, joint replacement is usually recommended. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint. The common joints affected are usually knees, hips, lower back and neck. There is no singular cause of osteoarthritis. Risk factors include obesity, genetic predisposition to inflammatory conditions, previous injuries and overuse of joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder which affects the lining of the joints (synovium). The immune system starts attacking the joints causing inflammation. Untreated inflammation then damages the cartilage tissues and over time the joints become less mobile, painful and unstable. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. If one joint is affected, the other is affected too in symmetry. So if your left elbow develops rheumatoid arthritis, your right elbow will also develop the same. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment can reverse the damage and also prevent further degeneration.

Common symptoms

Arthritis can affect each person differently. Each person responds differently to the condition. However, a cluster of common symptoms include:

1. Stiffness – early warning signs of arthritis include stiffness in the joints. It could be stiffness upon waking up in the morning or stiffness after sitting at the desk or stiffness after getting out of the car. Some people experience painful stiffness after exercising or walking for long periods.


2. Pain – ranging from mild to moderate or severe. Dull, throbbing pain is a classic feature of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The pain maybe constant or intermittent. Some people experience increased pain during nighttime while others experience more pain during the day.


3. Swelling, redness and warmth – this is another classic feature of inflammatory conditions. The affected areas become red and tender. There may be some warmth and feeling of heat in that particular area.


4. Decreased mobility – affected joints become inflexible and less functional. If you experience difficulty in moving about or simply getting up after a certain duration, get yourself checked out for arthritis.


5. Clicking sounds – affected joints often produce clicking sounds when getting up. This could be one of the first signs of arthritis.


6. Fever – in severe joint inflammation and pain, people often get mild to moderate fevers which subside with an analgesic or anti-inflammatory medicine.

Arthritis Management

Arthritis is usually diagnosed by orthopedic specialist who will run a round of blood tests and if necessary imaging like x-rays and CT scans. Treatment will vary from analgesics to anti-inflammatory agents or steroids. In some cases, joint replacement might be necessary.

Making time for physical activity and following a joint-supportive diet is very important. Physical activity should be restricted to less stressful exercises such as brisk walking, yoga and tai-chi. Avoid using the gym as it can increase the pressure and strain on your joints. Do not indulge in sudden, rapid movements which can aggravate inflammation and pain.

It has been clinically established that inflammation is aided by pH levels or acid-alkaline levels. An acidic body provides a good host for inflammations and infections. The ideal body pH is around 6.4 while anything below is acidic. Daily diet should balance acid and alkaline foods. Stay away from foods that increase acidity like too much meat, dairy products, hydrogenated fats, processed wheat flour, sugar and other processed and junk foods. Avoid foods high in phosphoric acid like soft drinks, fried foods, food low in fiber like junk food or pre-cooked food.

The important thing with arthritis is to preserve as much joint function, mobility and flexibility.