Arthritis is characterized by swelling and discomfort of one or more joints. Joint stiffness and pain are the primary arthritis symptoms, and they often get worse with age. Arthritis is a prevalent condition that affects the joints. It may result in pain and inflammation, making it challenging to move or maintain activity. Arthritis comes in a variety of forms. Each kind has distinct symptoms and can require various therapies. 

Treatment options differ based on the type of arthritis. The main objectives of therapies are to lessen arthritis symptoms and enhance quality of life.

Arthritis affects 58.5 million individuals in the United States, or around one in every four persons. The prevalence is higher in persons over 65. But it can have an impact on anyone, even young children. 

To know more about different types of arthritis, their causes, arthritis symptoms, and treatment options, keep reading! 

Different Arthritis Types: Let’s Check Out! 

Arthritis is a broad word that covers a wide range of joint disorders. The most prevalent forms of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, occurs when repeated stress causes joint cartilage to deteriorate. The most typical arthritis type is this one.
• Spinal arthritis, also known as ankylosing spondylitis, typically affects the lower back.
• Juvenile arthritis (JA) is a condition in which the immune system destroys the tissue surrounding joints. In most cases, JA affects children aged 16 or younger.
• Gout is a disease resulting in hard crystals of uric acid accumulating in your joints.
• Psoriasis, an inflammatory illness that causes skin irritation, can lead to psoriatic arthritis, a kind of joint inflammation.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that makes your body attack the synovial layers of your joints.

Causes of Arthritis 

• Age. Your joints tend to deteriorate over time. Age increases the likelihood of having arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
• Gender. Except for gout, women are more likely to suffer from most kinds of arthritis.
• Genes. Some diseases, like lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, are correlated with specific genes.
• Excess weight. Being overweight places additional strain on weight-bearing joints, raising the likelihood of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
• Injuries. They may harm joints, which may lead to some forms of the disorder.
• Infection Infections of joints can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
• Work. Some tasks that require heavy lifting or repetitive motions can put strain on the joints or injure workers, which might result in arthritis. 

Arthritis Symptoms 

Here are some of the common arthritis symptoms you should know about. Let’s dig down: 

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling and inflammation of the affected joints
• Reduced range of motion
• Fatigue
• Redness and warmth around affected joints
• Joint deformities
• Fever
• Weight loss 
• Difficulty with daily activities 

Treatment for Arthritis: Let’s find out! 

The course of treatment will be determined by your arthritis symptoms, age, and overall health. Additionally, it will depend on the kind of arthritis you have and its severity. A personalized treatment plan will be given by a qualified healthcare professional. There is no known cure for arthritis. Treatment frequently aims to maintain joint function and reduce discomfort, and inflammation. 

Short-term treatment options for Arthritis! 

• Medications. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs from the renowned community pharmacy in Houston can be useful for providing temporary respite from pain and inflammation.
• Cold and heat. Applying cold, dry heat, or moist heat to the joint can reduce pain. 
• Immobilization of the joint. A splint or brace can provide a joint some rest and safeguard it from further harm.
• Massage. The massaging of sore muscles may promote blood flow and lessen pain.
• TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Using a TENS device may help to lessen pain. This instrument alters how the brain perceives pain by blocking pain impulses. 
• Acupuncture. This procedure involves inserting tiny needles into the body at predetermined locations. It may cause the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving substances. 

Long-term treatment options for Arthritis

• DMARDs, or disease-modifying antirheumatic medications. These prescription drugs from the best chemist store could decrease the progression of the condition and address any immune system issues connected to it. 
• Hyaluronic acid. This fluid in the joints seems to degrade in osteoarthritis patients. To help alleviate discomfort, it can be injected into a joint. 
• Surgery. Depending on which joints need surgery, there are various procedures available. Full recovery after surgery takes up to 6 months and a rehabilitation program is important for the same.

To conclude 

In conclusion, arthritis is a complex and prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the basics, different types, and common causes, and recognizing the arthritis symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. 

While there is no cure for arthritis, various treatment options are available to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the quality of life for those living with this condition. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan and quality medications tailored to your specific arthritis type and individual needs. 

If you are looking for quality medications and other supplements from the leading Pharmacy in Houston, reach out to Scott Read Pharmacy. We have a diverse range of medications available with the best quality and at affordable rates.