Arthritis refers to inflammation of one or more joints. The joint is the point where two bones meet.
There are different types of arthritis. Arthritis is common especially in people 50 years or older.
Some joints wear out due to aging. However, some types of arthritis are caused by injuries that damage the joint. Certain health conditions also cause arthritis.
The knee
The hips
The ankle
The hands and wrist
The shoulders
The lower back
Osteoarthritis– A degenerative joint condition where the tissues(cartilage) in the joint break down over time. It usually affects older people.
Rheumatoid arthritis– It is a condition where the immune system attacks the joints beginning with the lining. This causes inflammation in the affected part of the body.
Gout– This is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals form when there’s excess uric acid in the blood.
Ankylosing spondylitis– This type of arthritis affects joints near the lower back. It is a disease that with time can cause the bones in the spine to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis– This type of arthritis is the common type of arthritis in children under age 16.
Psoriatic arthritis– This is a type of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. They can affect any type of the body including spine and fingertips.
Reactive arthritis– This is the type of arthritis triggered by an infection in another part of the body, most often the genital, urinary tract and intestines. It is usually felt in the knees, ankles and feet. It can also affect the eyes, skin and urethra. This condition is however not common.
Septic Arthritis– This is a painful infection in the joints that is caused by germs travelling through the blood stream from another part of the body. People with artificial joints are also at risk of septic arthritis. The knees are commonly affected however it can affect the hips, shoulders and other joints.
Joint paint
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Swelling
Skin discoloration
Tenderness around a joint
Redness of joints
Too much uric acid in blood
Age
Immune system disorder
Certain viral infections can trigger arthritis
Obesity
Previous joint injury
Family history
Physical examination– during physical examination, the doctor will check for swelling, redness and how well you can move your joints.
Laboratory tests– An analysis is done on different types of body fluids to determine the type of arthritis. Fluids tested include blood, urine and joint fluids.
Imaging
X-rays– This involves using low levels of radiation to visualize bone. X-rays show cartilage loss, bone damage and bone spurs. It may not reveal early-stage arthritis but can show progression of the disease.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan– Scanners take X-rays from different angles and combine information gathered to create cross-sectional views of the internal structures. This scan can view both bone and surrounding soft tissues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)– This combines radio waves with a strong magnetic field to give more detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
Ultrasound– This technology uses high-quality sound waves to visualize cartilage and fluid containing structures near the joints. It is also used to guide needle placement before removing joint fluid or injecting medications in the joint.
Physical examination– during physical examination, the doctor will check for swelling, redness and how well you can move your joints.
Laboratory tests– An analysis is done on different types of body fluids to determine the type of arthritis. Fluids tested include blood, urine and joint fluids.
Imaging
X-rays– This involves using low levels of radiation to visualize bone. X-rays show cartilage loss, bone damage and bone spurs. It may not reveal early-stage arthritis but can show progression of the disease.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan– Scanners take X-rays from different angles and combine information gathered to create cross-sectional views of the internal structures. This scan can view both bone and surrounding soft tissues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)– This combines radio waves with a strong magnetic field to give more detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues such as cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
Ultrasound– This technology uses high-quality sound waves to visualize cartilage and fluid containing structures near the joints. It is also used to guide needle placement before removing joint fluid or injecting medications in the joint.
GHC 900.00
GHC 2,700.00
GHC 1,700.00
Treatments for arthritis depends on the type of arthritis.
Treatment options include physical therapy, physiotherapy, surgery for joint repair, replacement and fusion.
Nutritional and dietary therapy involves administering certain nutrients orally that help with the gradual repair of joint tissues and stimulate the production of synovial fluid to enhance mobility.
