Diagnosis and treatment of arthritis

By: Dr Anitha Anchan | | Updated: February 26, 2014 3:27 pm

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The risk factors, causes, types and symptoms of arthritis have been explained in Arthritis: Understanding the disease. In this part we explain briefly the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Also Read - New test can eliminate need for surgery to diagnose ovarian cancer

How will arthritis affect me?

How arthritis affects you depends on the type and duration of arthritis you are suffering from. You may suffer from discomfort, pain, stiffness and/or fatigue and could find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks.

If you have inflammatory arthritis, you are at a higher risk of getting an infection like flu which could be more severe and more prone to complications and also medications could weaken your immune system thereby increasing your risk to infection.

You will also have to rethink your lifestyle, eat healthy and keep your weight in check because it adds extra pressure on weight-bearing joints. Your diet will have to include Omega-3 essential fatty acids in your diet will help. It’s also important to cut down on red meats, highly sweet food items and alcohol as well.

How is arthritis diagnosed? Why is early diagnosis important?

The diagnosis will be based on your symptoms, the inflamed joints affected and through blood and X-ray findings, MRI scan, CT scan, synovial fluid analysis and/or a urine test. You may have to visit your doctor several times before he can rule out other causes and confirm the diagnosis.

Mostly arthritis is more a source of irritation than a chronic ailment because it affects your everyday life. An early and accurate diagnosis prevents irreversible damage and disability.

What are the treatments for arthritis?

The type of arthritis decides your treatment options. Treatment may include medications, physiotherapy, exercise, weight control and orthopaedic bracing. Eroding forms of arthritis may require joint replacement surgery. Medications are given to reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. There is no permanent cure for either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.

MEDICATIONS

Drugs that treat the symptoms of arthritis like pain killers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids
Drugs that suppress the underlying inflammatory disease like disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Biologic drugs are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis or when DMARDs are ineffective.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Hydrotherapy – involves special exercises that you do in a warm-water pool.
Physiotherapy – Because of the pain, you will often avoid moving the affected joint. A physical therapist can help you work out the joint stiffness without damaging it.
Occupational therapy – Occupational therapy promotes health and well-being by teaching you how to reduce the strain on your joints during your daily activities. Your home and workplace may be modified by your occupational therapist so that you can move about without worsening your arthritis.

SURGERY

Surgery is usually recommended when other treatments prove ineffective the damage to your joints is severe enough to cause difficulties in everyday life. It can either be pain-relieving or reconstructive like replacing a badly damaged joint with an artificial joint, removing the inflamed lining of the joint cavity, releasing trapped nerves or fusing a joint to make it more stable. The most common form of surgery for arthritis is joint replacement.

Can arthritis be prevented?

For the inherited forms of arthritis, there is no real way to avoid the disease. Arthritis due to joint injury can be prevented by adhering to safety regulations. Arthritis related to infection could be prevented by not getting infected with the organism causing it.

Living with arthritis

The different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases taken collectively are the most common chronic health conditions which afflicts older people. With recent developments including new drugs, exercise programs, surgeries and self-management you can now lead full and productive lives.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, you should seek medical health and treatment to minimize it’s the effects of its symptoms. Irreversible damage and disability can be prevented with earlier and accurate diagnosis.

Also read: Understanding Arthritis: Part 1