What to know about arthritis

Author Dr. Dóra Mihola | 2018.11.05.

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Dr. Dóra Mihola Mihola, specialist rheumatologist at the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic, rheumatology specialist clinic, talks about arthritis and spinal pain.

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Arthritis is the term used to describe any inflammatory disease of any of our joints, whether acute or chronic, affecting one or more joints. It can develop in a number of ways, but the end result is always a condition of swelling, redness, warmth, pain and reduced function of the affected joint.

From arthritis for many people, it is still older age group painful complaints that make their daily lives more difficult. But the problem is much broader than that, and today also affecting more and more young people this disease circle. So it's worth „clearing the air” - summarise the most important facts.

Causes and types of arthritis

Arthritis has a number of can have several causes, and several types of causes can be distinguished. These include one joint and multiple joints diseases. Understanding the causes and making a diagnosis is always key to proper treatment.

One of the simplest causes of arthritis is overload. This type can affect any age group, regardless of gender. Often develops e.g. for athletes, who enter a demanding competition with inadequate preparation. However, a simple gym workout can end in painful arthritis if we lift weights with the wrong technique. In such cases, the problem is caused by carelessness and lack of preparation, which can lead to an overused joint becomes inflamed. However, overcrowding can occur not only in connection with sporting activities. It often happens when we do some kind of strenuous physical work that our body is not used to. For example, on the first nice weekend in spring, when you get out of the office and dive into gardening (hoeing, weeding, digging ditches). Even then, not taking things slowly can lead to serious joint problems. In the case of overload, the activity that causes the inflammation should not be continued, and the joint should be rested and treated professionally.

Autoimmune arthritis

Arthritis is another, unfortunately a very common type of autoimmune arthritis. This is when our own immune cells attack the joints, causing painful symptoms. Autoimmune inflammation can also affect any gender and age group, and management special therapy require. The most common type of autoimmune arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause inflammation of several joints at the same time. About rheumatoid arthritis by clicking here find out more.

Arthritis can also be caused by a metabolic problem. Examples of such diseases include gout, during which tiny, pointed crystals precipitate in the joints. The crystals cause acute inflammation in up to several joints at once, but most commonly in the feet and hands. In such cases, in addition to treating the joint, the treatment of metabolic problems is also essential.

The most serious, but fortunately least common type of arthritis is arthritis caused by a bacterial infection. The types described above are always so-called sterile inflammation, but in this case the there is an external infection behind the inflammation. If the infectious bacteria reaches the joint, it can cause very serious illness and, if left untreated, can have irreversible consequences. In the case of bacterial arthritis, in addition to pain relief, surgical intervention (surgery) and antibiotic treatment are unavoidable.

Symptoms of arthritis

The main symptom of arthritis is Pain, which can be felt in one or more joints. Inflammation can also redness, warm swelling also causes, and often involves fever or fever. In addition, all species are characterised by reduced usability of an inflamed joint (e.g. we cannot lift, hold, bend, etc.). Arthritis is typically fatigue and weakness is also associated with.

Treatment of arthritis

To apply the right treatment method, it is essential to clarifying the cause of inflammation and make an accurate diagnosis. This is done by a thorough investigation during rheumatologist specialist will be carried out by.

Simple it is also important to see a rheumatologist in case of overuse, if the symptoms do not improve after 3 days of rest and topical pain relief creams. It is up to the specialist to find out whether whether there is another problem behind the inflammation, which makes healing more difficult, and may also recommend an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In extreme cases, an anti-inflammatory injection containing steroids may also be considered.

Autoimmune origin and metabolic origin always for arthritis personalised therapy appropriate to the condition set up is required. In addition to reducing inflammation, the treatment of underlying disease is just as important, but it is usually long-term treatment require. It often requires a combination of lifestyle changes, diet and medication.

Arthritis of bacterial origin in the case of symptoms are usually much more severe high fever, very severe pain, sudden onset of joint immobility. The symptoms are you need to see a specialist as soon as possible, who will ensure that the necessary tests are carried out and that appropriate treatment is given as soon as possible (antibiotic treatment and even surgery).

So, in all cases, the method of treatment rheumatologist specialist who will decide on a personalised treatment plan, taking into account all aspects, based on a thorough assessment.