Arthritis

Joints are the link between bones, and in the case of arthritis, one or more joints become inflamed and painful, and that reduces the quality of life.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation in one or more joints in the body, and it’s an extremely common condition worldwide.

Causes and risk factors leading to arthritis

Causes of arthritis differ depending on the type, and the most prevalent types are:

• Osteoarthritis (the most common one).
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gout.
• Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Psoriatic arthritis.
• Juvenile arthritis (it occurs in teens under 16 and children).
• Viral arthritis (some viral infections, like COVID-19, can induce arthritis).

The risk of arthritis increases due to the following factors:

• Aging, especially after 50 years old.
• Family history.
• Obesity.
• Not being active and smoking.
• Being a female.
• Previous joint injury.

Symptoms of arthritis

• Stiffness.
• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Reduced motion range.
• Skin discoloration, mostly redness.
• Warmth or heat feeling in the joint area.
• If not managed, severe arthritis could interfere with simple daily activities.

Diagnosis of arthritis

• Physical exam.
• Lab tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of arthritis

• Medications.
• Physical therapy.
• In severe cases, a surgery might be needed, like joint fusion or joint replacement.
• The risk of certain types of arthritis can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and quitting smoking.