Arthritis : What is it & treatments

Arthritis : What is it & treatments

Overview

A condition with swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The common symptom includes pain and stiffness in joints.

Symptoms

Symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness in joints, difficulty in movement, etc.

Causes

Causes depend on the type of arthritis – while osteoarthritis is caused due to wear-and-tear of joint cartilages as age progresses, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.

Diagnosis

Doctors will examine joint movements. Blood test and imaging tests help in diagnosing the severity of inflammation and check the progression of disease.

Common treatment options

How is this diagnosed?

Highlights

  • Treatable by a medical professional
  • Diagnosed by medical professional
  • Requires lab test or imaging
  • Can last several years or be lifelong
  • More common in females
  • Family history may increase likelihood
  • Urgent medical attention recommended in severe cases

Medications

Analgesics: Reduces joint pain but does not reduce the inflammation.

Acetaminophen

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): It will help reduce both pain and inflammation.

Ibuprofen

Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Triamcinolone . Methylprednisolone

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): The most standard RA treatment helps to slow down the progression of RA.

Azathioprine . Cyclophosphamide

Pain killers: It will reduce the joint pain.

Capsaicin

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For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. Source: Focus Medica.

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