Arthritis

Arthritis
Osteoporosis

Arthritis, a word that means painful joint, is an inflammatory process that affects the soft tissues of the joints of the human body; it is accompanied by swelling, redness, increased body temperature and pain. There are over one hundred types of arthritis, which can have several causes.

The two main types of arthritis are:

osteoarthritis, usually caused by normal wear and tear of the joint
rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common autoimmune diseases.

Other types of arthritis can be caused by uric acid crystals, infections or even an underlying disease such as psoriasis or lupus erythematosus.

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Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis affect the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms may include:

Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Redness
Loss of range of motion

Causes

The two main types of arthritis, arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause damage in different ways.

Arthrosis

The most common type of arthritis is arthrosis, which causes wear and tear and damage to the cartilage, the smooth tissue surrounding bones extremities. The reduced presence of cartilage between bone joints causes friction between the two articular surfaces joined together with each movement, causing pain and a decreased range of motion. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be accelerated by a pathology or an infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the hard tissue covering the joint capsule. This tissue, known as synovial membrane, becomes swollen and inflamed. Disease progression can lead to the destruction of the cartilage and the erosion of the bone inside the joint.

Risk factors

Risk factors for arthritis are:

Family history. Certain forms of arthritis are more common in people with a family history of this condition. Some people’s genetic asset might make them more sensitive to environmental factors that can cause arthritis.

Age. The risk of developing several types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, increases with age.

Sex. Women are more likely to develop arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis than men, whilst the majority of people suffering with gout are men.

Past recurring trauma People who have overstimulated joints in the past causing frequent micro-injuries are more likely to suffer from arthritis.

Obesity. Being overweight causes constant stress to the joints, particularly the knees, hips, and spine. People suffering with obesity have a greater risk of developing arthritis.

Complications

Severe arthritis, particularly when it affects the hands or arm, can make it difficult for patients to perform daily tasks. If arthritis affects the main joints, it can make it difficult for patients to walk comfortably or sit up straight. In some cases, joints can appear deformed.

Diagnosis

During the physical examination, your doctor will check for any swelling, redness or heat of the joints. He/she will verify your rage of motion and the physiological rotation angle. Based on the form of arthritis suspected, your doctor may suggests some of the following tests.

Laboratory tests

Testing different types of bodily fluids can help identify the type of arthritis. Commonly analyzed fluids include blood, urine, and articular fluid.

Imaging

Imaging can identify problems inside the joints which may be causing your symptoms. Examples of imaging include:

X-rays. Using low levels of radiation to examine the bones, X-rays can show cartilage loss, bone damage and bone spurs. X-rays can not detect early arthritic damage, but they are often used to monitor disease progression.

Computerised tomography (CT). CT scans combines x-ray scans taken from different angles to create cross-section images of the body’s internal structure.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By combining radio waves with a strong magnetic field, magnetic resonance imaging can produce more detailed cross-section images of soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

Ultrasounds (echography) This technology uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of soft tissue, cartilage and fluid-containing structures such as articular bursas. Ultrasounds are also used to guide needle positioning during joint aspirations and injections.

Arthroscopy

In some cases, doctors are able to detect joint damage using a thin flexible tube, in a process called arthroscopy, through an incision made near the joint. Arthroscopy transmits images from inside the joint to a screen.

Arthritis

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