Arthritis mainly affects people of age above 50. It classifies hundreds of disorders involving inflammation, and damage joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. In this blog, we will understand different arthritis types and their treatments.
What is Arthritis?
The doctor will help you find ways to manage pain and stiffness. Some people with severe arthritis eventually need surgery to replace their affected joints.
Types of Arthritis
Out of a hundred types of arthritis, some common types are mentioned below:
1. Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis is caused due to wear-and-tear or damage to the cartilage that lines the joint. Due to the worn down of cartilage, the bones rub against each other causing osteoarthritis. It mainly affects the knees, hips, and spine.
Symptoms
Here are some symptoms that the person with Osteoarthritis may experience:
- Joint Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling around the joint
- A reduction in the amount of motion or the range that a joint can move
- Joint deformity
Treatment Options:
Arthritis has no known treatment, and the cartilage in affected joints cannot regenerate. When you experience symptoms, your doctor will help you in controlling them. Here are some common treatments for osteoarthritis:
- Lifestyle Changes: Excess weight can put pressure on the joints, increasing the chances of osteoarthritis. Thus, weight management is very important. People with osteoarthritis should do some low-impact exercises regularly, such as swimming or cycling. This helps in maintaining joint function and reduces pain.
- Heat and Cold Therapies: Heat and cold therapies are also considered an option as they help to reduce the pain and stiffness in the joints. Applying a heating pad, or ice packs on affected joints can reduce the discomfort. Before trying these therapies, consult with the doctor or therapist. They will direct you on how to do it and for how much duration.
- Assistive Devices: Braces or orthotic inserts can support the joints and reduce pain during movement. Moreover, using a walker or cane when walking can help by reducing the pressure on joints.
- Complementary Therapy: Therapy such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, and other therapies can be done alongside other treatments.
- Surgery: Doctors may recommend surgery such as joint replacement (arthroplasty) to those people with severe symptoms of osteoarthritis.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is different from other types of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body targets the tissues, causing inflammation. This disease starts developing between 30 to 60 years of age and mainly targets hands, fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, feet, and toes.
Symptoms
The common signs that people experience with rheumatoid arthritis are:
- Pain, and swelling in more than one joint
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fever
- Stiffness in joints after sitting for long hours or in the morning
Treatment Options
Different treatments can be used to reduce the pain and stiffness in the joints. Treatments that can be used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Some changes in daily life can help to manage the symptoms. Changes like consuming foods that are high in anti-inflammatory help to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise, to avoid gaining weight, leading to less pressure on joints. It is advised that before modifying your lifestyle, consult with your doctor or therapist.
- Surgery: Surgeries for knee replacement, hip replacement, or other surgeries are the last treatment option recommended by doctors. Doctors or surgeons may recommend these surgeries, in the case of when no other treatments are working.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Psoriatic Arthritis is a type of arthritis that is connected to skin disease. People with psoriasis or with a family history of psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing Psoriatic Arthritis.
Symptoms
Psoriatic arthritis targets every joint of the body. The common symptoms include:
- Pain and Stiffness in Joints
- Redness or color loss near the affected joints
- Swelling in fingers and toes
- Silver or gray color scaly patches on elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back
- Fatigue
- Discoloration or pitting on your nails
Treatment Options
Doctors recommend several options for treating psoriatic arthritis. Some of them include:
- Heat or Cold Therapy: Heat and cold therapies are also considered an option as they help to reduce the discomfort and inflammation in the joints. Applying a heating pad, or ice packs on affected joints can reduce the pain. Before trying these therapies, consult with your doctor or therapist.
- Physical Therapy: Regular exercising can reduce joint pain and inflammation. Moreover, it helps to improve the functioning of joints and increase flexibility.
- Lifestyle Changes: Doing activities such as meditation to reduce stress, skincare routines for psoriasis, and regular physical activity are considered effective in treating PsA.
You can schedule a consultation with the top doctor in India for online homeopathy consultation.
4. Gout
It is one of the most painful arthritis types. It generally develops due to the increase in uric acid in your body. Mostly, it affects the big toe but can also affect other joints such as knees, ankles, feet, wrists, and elbows. Gout attacks can happen suddenly at any time, especially at night.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms that a person may experience during a gout attack, include:
- Stiffness
- Severe Pain
- Discoloration or redness near the affected joints
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
Treatment Options
Some common gout treatments that the doctors may recommend are as follows:
- Diet: People with gout should consume foods that consist of low purine content. It helps to reduce the uric acid level in your body.
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis
This arthritis types affects your spine and sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joint is the point where the base of the spine meets the pelvis. People with ankylosing spondylitis find difficulty in moving their hips.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms include:
- Pain in hips and buttocks
- Neck Pain
- Abdominal Pain
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Vision problem
- Stiffness in joints
Treatment Options
The treatments for ankylosing spondylitis include:
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help in reducing pain. Inactive people experience more severe symptoms compared to active people. Consult with your doctor or therapist, they can recommend some simple stretches and exercises to manage the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
Conclusion
For people with arthritis, there are several ways to reduce pain and enhance the quality of life, starting from medicines and lifestyle modifications to physical therapy. Developing a customized treatment plan with the help of medical professionals is essential for the best management of arthritis pain.
Afecto Homeopathy has the most experienced homeopathic doctors in Jalandhar who provide the best possible solution for arthritis.
Afecto Homeopathy is a leading homeopathic clinic with over 30 years of experience. We have a proven track record of success, treating 500,000+ patients. We have treated patients across 56 countries providing a facility of online consultation. We have a team of 70+ doctors present at our 8+ clinics throughout India. We specialize in treating a wide range of health concerns, addressing over 120 different conditions using safe, effective, and natural means without any side effects.
Contact Afecto Homeopathy at 91 978 059 7813 and book your first online consultation.