Arthritis
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition where the protective lining (cartilage)of joint surfaces break down. Cartilage is a smooth, slippery tissue that helps the bones in the knee joint move smoothly against each other. When the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of Arthritis that appear and how they appear vary widely, depending on the type.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving a joint
Causes of Arthritis
There is no single cause of all types of Arthritis. The cause or causes vary according to the type Arthritis.
Possible causes may include:
- aging, which can lead to Degenerative Arthritis
- an abnormal metabolism, which can cause gout (uric acid)
- an injury can lead to developing osteoarthritis
- an infection such as Lyme disease, which can trigger Arthritis symptoms
- an immune system dysfunction, such as the type that causes RA and lupus
Treatment of Arthritis
Treatment for Arthritis aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. A range of medications and lifestyle strategies can help achieve this and protect joints from further damage.
The exact treatment depends on the type of Arthritis a person develops. It may involve:
- Medication
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Surgery
Depending on the type of Arthritis a person has, different surgical treatments on the affected joints may be necessary.
Surgery options for Arthritis include:
- Synovectomy
- Joint replacement
- Osteotomy
- Joint fusion
An orthopaedic doctor can help a person determine whether they have Arthritis and the best course of treatment for them.