5 Ways to Treat Arthritis 

Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by pain, swelling, and limited mobility. It has an impact on the joints and connective tissues throughout the body. 

There are over 100 different types of arthritis. It is usually chronic. 

Arthritis usually causes joint inflammation or degeneration (wear and tear). When pressure is applied to your joints, these changes can cause pain. Arthritis commonly occurs in the feet, hands, knees, hips, and lower back.   

Arthritis treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief and joint function improvement. There are various treatment options for arthritis. Consult your doctor for advice on the best course of treatment for you. 

Causes of Arthritis 

The type of Arthritis determines the cause. Osteoarthritis is mainly caused by joint wear and tear over time or overuse. Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma can be caused when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues. Gout is caused by crystal buildup in the joints. Some types of Arthritis are genetically predisposed. For example, ankylosing spondylitis is more common in people with the genetic marker HLA-B27. The cause of some other types of Arthritis is unknown.  

You may develop this affliction if you: 

• Have an arthritic family history. 
• Have a tiring job or participate in a repetitive sport that strains your joints.  
• Have autoimmune disorders or viral infections. 

Treatment of Arthritis 

Arthritis treatment depends on your symptoms, age, and overall health. It will also depend on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of the condition. A treatment plan is developed for each individual by their health care provider. 

Arthritis has no known cure. The treatment aims to reduce pain and inflammation while ensuring joint function. Treatment plans frequently employ both short-term and long-term approaches. 

1. Medication 

Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications may aid in the relief of your arthritis symptoms. Biologics are medications that target your immune system’s inflammatory response. Your doctor may recommend biologics if you have rheumatoid or psoriatic Arthritis.  

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are two examples. NSAIDs can also be found as creams or gels to be applied to joints.  
• Counterirritants: Some creams and ointments contain menthol or capsaicin, the ingredient that gives hot peppers their spiciness. Rubbing these preparations on your sore skin may interfere with the transmission of pain signals from the joint. 
• Steroids: Prednisone and other corticosteroid medications reduce inflammation and pain while slowing joint damage. You can take corticosteroids orally or inject them directly into the painful joint.  
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save joints and other tissues. In addition to conventional DMARDs, biologic agents and targeted synthetic DMARDs are available. The side effects of DMARDs vary, but most of them increase your risk of infection. 

2. Therapy 

Arthritis may benefit from physical therapy. Exercises can help increase the range of movement and develop the muscles surrounding joints. However, splints or braces may be necessary in some cases.  

Therapy with hyaluronic acid is also a form of Arthritis treatment. It is a joint fluid that appears to degrade in people who have osteoarthritis. It can be injected into a joint to help relieve symptoms.

3. Surgery 

Based on the affected joints, there are various surgical options. Arthroscopy, fusion, or joint replacements are all surgical options. It can take up to 6 months to fully recover from surgery Following surgery, a rehabilitation program is an essential component of the treatment.  

• Repair joint- Joint surfaces can sometimes be realigned or smoothed to lessen pain and enhance function. These procedures are frequently performed arthroscopically through tiny incisions over the joint.  
• Replacement of a joint- The damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint during this procedure. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced joints. 
• Fusion of the joints- This procedure is more commonly used for smaller joints like the wrist, ankle, and fingers. It separates the two bones’ ends that make up the joint before locking them together until the bones heal into a single, rigid piece. 

4. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 

 A TENS device can help to alleviate pain. The device delivers mild electrical pulses to the painful nerve endings. It prevents pain signals from reaching the brain and alters pain perception. 

5. Acupuncture 

 This procedure involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It may cause the nervous system to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals. A licensed health care provider performs the procedure. 

Conclusion

As there is no cure for arthritis, most people must live with it for the rest of their lives. Your healthcare provider can assist you in determining the best combination of arthritis treatments to alleviate symptoms. Inactivity is one of the most severe health risks associated with arthritis. Sedentism caused by joint pain may increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other extreme conditions. Changing your routine can help you cope with arthritis. Change your activities to reduce joint pain. Most people can successfully manage their arthritis while participating in their favorite activities. 

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