Q. How can we define arthritis?
A. The word arthritis stands for joint inflammation; it usually affects the areas in or around joints such as muscles and tendons; sometimes it may also affect skin and internal organs.
Q. Is there any difference between joint pain and arthitis?
A. YES, although both of these are closely related however arthritis is usually accompanied with joint inflammation and stiffness which causes pain; and sometimes acute joint pain may indicate any underlying acute problem which may lead to arthritis in the future.
Q. What are the warning signs to look for in arthritis?
A. Some of the signs that patient should be aware of are:
- Stiffness in joints
- Pain that comes and goes
- Difficulty in movement after prolonged sitting
- Swelling and redness of joints
- Difficulty in climbing stairs and restricted movements.
Q. Will arthritis cause deformity in my hands and feet?
A. Untreated arthritis can lead to deformities of your hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, this can be prevented. With timely treatment, most patients with arthritis lead functional and productive lives.
Q. Do I have to take medication for arthritis life long?
A. NO, you don’t have to take medications for arthritis lifelong although the course of treatment might run for longer duration due to the chronic nature of the disease.
Q. Does homoeopathy offer any treatment for this condition?
A. Homoeopathy has proven effective in managing symptoms of arthritis. It aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and improve overall well being
Q. What can be the possible causes of arthritis?
A. The exact cause is not known, although certain factors that increase the risk to develop arthritis are as follow:
- Aging
- Family history
- Obesity
- Previous injury to any joint
- Smoking
- Constant repetitive movements of a joint.
Q. Is all arthritis rheumatoid arthritis?
A. NO, Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis which is caused by immune response of the body that results in excessive inflammation and pain in and around the joints. There are various types of arthritis leading to joint inflammation, some of which are:
- Osteoarthritis: Also called as degenerative arthritis. It involves the breakdown of cartilage and bones affecting mostly fingers and weight bearing joints such as knees, feet, hips and back.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint but mainly the small joints in the hands and feet are more affected.
- Gout: It is metabolic and inflammatory disorder which is caused due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals usually affecting big toes, knees, wrists.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: In this condition, the joints and ligaments that normally permit the spine to move become inflamed and stiff. Other joints such as the hips, shoulders, knees, or ankles also may become involved.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica: It is a disorder that causes stiffness and aching in the neck, shoulder and hip areas.
Q. How can I know which joint pain is not arthritis?
A. Not all joint pain is caused due to arthritis; it can also develop because of:
- Severe Injury (dislocations, fractures, soft-tissue tears)
- Pains due to Bone cancer
- Bacterial disease like Lyme disease
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
Q. How can my condition be diagnosed?
A. Some of the diagnostics tests you can opt for:
- RA factor test.
- CBC (Complete blood count).
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate).
- C-Reactive proteins (CRP).
- Synovial fluid analysis.
- Presence of anti- CCP antibodies.
