Define Arthritis
The condition of swelling and the tenderness of one or more joints in the body is known as arthritis. The condition is characterized by acute to mild persisting joint pain and stiffness, which tend to worsen with age.
Pain in joint and stiffness are the most common symptoms of arthritis. This pain and stiffness are witnessed to worsen with age. It can be said that the diseases that affect the joints are known as arthritis. There are about a hundred different types of arthritis. The most common arthritis is known as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Further, this tenderness or swelling in the joints greatly affect the movement of an individual and hence should be treated with proper medications. The joints are damaged in this form of diseases and are caused due to different reasons like age, genetics, obesity and similar other things as such which have been discussed below.
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
As stated earlier that arthritis is of two types which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. So depending upon the type of arthritis the symptoms varies. It may be stiffness, pain, swelling, and redness, decreased range of motion, warmth in the joints, fatigue, and limited range of motion. Other than this the patients also experience increased redness in joints and in severe cases it can lead to deformation of joints. The complication in this form of the disease may also increase due to age. The symptoms must be recognized at an early stage to prevent the disease from getting worsened. Also, arthritis can prevail for a considerable period. It is quite obvious that any form of the disease, if untreated, gets worse over time. Similarly, arthritis pain can also reduce the quality of life and also can make a person unable to perform any activity.
What are the common problems that Arthritis can bring?
Some of the common problems that arthritis can bring are like difficulty in moving up and down the stairs. It can be extremely painful for an individual. It can also affect other organs in the body, and increase tenderness in joints.
What are the different forms of Arthritis?
The two most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Other than these two there are also other forms of arthritis like psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis.
Which age group is affected mostly by Arthritis?
Arthritis is a form of the disease which can affect people of all age groups from children, teenagers to old people. It depends on genetics, age, lifestyle and similar other things as such. However, the majority of arthritis patients are older people.
Basics of Arthritis: What is a Joint?
The meeting point of two bones at a particular location is called joint. These meeting points are like knees, fingers, shoulders etc. The joint helps the bones to remain in place and also helps them to move freely within their limits. Majority of the joint is surrounded by a capsule. This capsule is filled with a thick form of fluid that helps in lubricating the joint. This lubricant further keeps the bone in place with the help of ligament. These ligaments can be described as strong elastic bands. Cartilage is what lines the end of the bone within a joint. The cartilage is a tough layer but has the smoothness which allows the bones to slide over one another while we walk or move. So when we try to move a bone, our brain gives a signal to the muscle which, after receiving the signal, pulls the tendon that is attached to the bone. Therefore, it can be stated that muscles play a significant role to support the joint.
What is Osteoarthritis?
This is the most common form of arthritis. Studies have shown that millions of people across the globe suffer from osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis begins with the toughening of the cartilage. People suffering from osteoarthritis would experience tiny bits of extra bone known as osteophytes growing at the end of the bone within a joint. Further, this would also increase the amount of thick fluid inside the joint that enhances lubrication. This expansion of liquid within the joint can lead to a worse condition where the joint capsule stretches and it tends to lose its shape.
However, the early stage of osteoarthritis is comparatively less painful than the later stage but it damages the inside part of a joint and increases stiffness bringing on the pain. This form of arthritis is witnessed mainly among women and tends to affect people on or above 45 years of age. The body parts that are affected because of osteoarthritis are like knees, hands, hips and back.
It is advisable for the people suffering from osteoarthritis that they should maintain a healthy weight which will decrease the amount of pressure on the joints. Regular exercise too can help them along with a proper diet. The exercise will help them to keep the muscles around the joint strong. By being fit an individual will support the joint and remain stabilised. Overweight people are mostly affected by osteoarthritis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and painkillers like paracetamol help people by reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis and by remaining fit. Exercise will also be helpful as mentioned earlier which will not only reduce pain but it will also reduce swelling and stiffness. One can also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams that they can rub in the affected area in the body. A physiotherapist is an ideal person to give individuals suffering from osteoarthritis specific advice understanding their conditions.
However, the increase in the pain and the severity of the condition may also require the patient to conduct a surgery after trying out all the possible treatments.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It is also known as an auto-immune condition. The immune system of the human body acts as a natural self-defence system that keeps us protected from all form of illness and infections. So, when an individual has an autoimmune condition, the immune systems tend to attack the healthy tissues of the body like the joints that cause inflammation. Now, inflammation plays an important role in the immune system. When the body sends extra blood and fluid to a particular area to prevent or fight with an infection, inflammation occurs. The inflammation and extra fluid greatly affect people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Some of the common problems in Rheumatoid Arthritis are as follows:
Difficulty in moving the joint and creates pain.
The excessive chemicals in the fluid can damage the joint and as well as the bone.
The extra fluids stretch the joint capsule and can also irritate the painful nerve endings.
FAQs on Arthritis Symptoms
1. What is arthritis, and what are its primary symptoms?
Arthritis is a medical condition characterised by the inflammation of one or more joints in the body. Its primary symptoms generally include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may come and go over time.
2. What are the first signs of arthritis, especially in the hands and feet?
The earliest signs of arthritis often manifest in the smaller joints. Common initial symptoms include:
- In the hands: A dull, burning pain or a sharp pain in the finger joints or wrists, often noticeable after periods of high use, like typing or gripping objects.
- In the feet: Pain and tenderness in the ball of the foot, stiffness in the toe joints, especially the big toe, or swelling in the ankles that is most pronounced in the morning.
3. How do the symptoms of Osteoarthritis differ from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
While both cause joint pain, their symptoms differ significantly. Osteoarthritis (OA) results from mechanical wear and tear on cartilage. Its symptoms are often asymmetrical (affecting one knee but not the other) and worsen with activity. In contrast, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Its symptoms are typically symmetrical (affecting both wrists or both knees), include prolonged morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell.
4. Why is Rheumatoid Arthritis considered an autoimmune disorder as per the CBSE Class 11/12 syllabus?
According to the CBSE syllabus on Human Health and Diseases, an autoimmune disorder is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a classic example because the immune system specifically targets the synovium, the membrane lining the joints. This self-attack triggers inflammation, swelling, and eventual destruction of cartilage and bone, which is why it is classified as an autoimmune disorder.
5. Can arthritis symptoms affect other parts of the body besides the joints?
Yes, certain types of inflammatory arthritis, like Rheumatoid Arthritis, are systemic diseases. This means the underlying inflammation can affect the entire body. Symptoms beyond the joints may include skin nodules, dryness and inflammation of the eyes, inflammation of the lungs (pleurisy), and an increased risk of issues with the heart and blood vessels.
6. How do arthritis symptoms like morning stiffness impact a person's daily routine?
Morning stiffness, a hallmark symptom of inflammatory arthritis, can severely hinder daily activities. It can make fundamental tasks like getting out of bed, holding a toothbrush, buttoning a shirt, or turning a key extremely difficult and painful. This stiffness often requires a significant period of gentle movement before the joint becomes functional, impacting a person's ability to start their day promptly.
7. Is cracking your knuckles a cause or a symptom of arthritis?
No, cracking your knuckles is neither a cause nor a symptom of arthritis. The popping sound comes from nitrogen gas bubbles bursting in the synovial fluid within the joint. Numerous scientific studies have found no evidence to link this habit with the development of arthritis. Arthritis symptoms are caused by joint inflammation or cartilage deterioration, not by this sound.
8. At what age do arthritis symptoms typically begin to appear?
Arthritis can start at any age, and the typical onset depends on the type. Osteoarthritis, which is linked to joint wear and tear, commonly begins in adults over the age of 50. However, Rheumatoid Arthritis, being an autoimmune condition, often starts earlier, typically between the ages of 30 and 60. Furthermore, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis can affect children under the age of 16.
