What is the Disease of Inflammatory Arthritis?
A class of disorders known as “inflammatory arthritis” is marked by inflammation of the joints and frequently adjacent tissues. These disorders are known as autoimmune or autoinflammatory illnesses, in which inflammation and pain are brought on by the immune system of the body unintentionally attacking its own tissues.
Different Inflammatory Arthritis Types
The following are the most prevalent forms of inflammatory arthritis disease:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that usually affects the hands and feet’s tiny joints. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, creating painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity, unlike the wear-and-tear deterioration of osteoarthritis. The management of rheumatoid arthritis necessitates effective treatment.
Arthritis Psoriatic
Frequently regarded as a kind of viral inflammatory arthritis, this kind of arthritis affects some individuals who have psoriasis, a skin condition characterised by red skin areas covered in silvery scales. One or both sides of the body’s joints may be impacted by psoriatic arthritis.
Spondylitis with Ankylosing
Although it can affect other joints as well, the spine is the main target of this type of arthritis. It inflames the vertebrae, which results in excruciating, long-lasting pain and suffering.
Gout
Gout is marked by abrupt, intense attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, usually the joint at the base of the big toe. It is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Inflammatory Arthritis Symptoms and Signs
Depending on the exact form of arthritis, the signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritis might vary, however many people who have these disorders may have a few common symptoms. Among them are:
Joint Stiffness and Pain: Pain, which can be continuous or sporadic, is one of the main signs of inflammatory arthritis.
Redness and Swelling: Inflammation is indicated by the affected joints’ tendency to swell, turn red at times, and feel warm to the touch.
Reduced Range of Motion: Pain and inflammation can restrict the range of motion in the afflicted joints, making it harder to carry out regular tasks.
Fatigue: A common complaint among those who have inflammatory arthritis is a generalised sense of exhaustion and low energy.
Fever and Malaise: People may occasionally suffer low-grade fever and a generalised feeling of being sick, particularly during flare-ups.
Deformity: Prolonged inflammation, especially in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, can cause deformities in the joints.
Inflammatory Arthritis Causes
Inflammatory arthritis has many different causes, many of which combine immunological, environmental, and genetic components. The following is a summary of the main variables that lead to the onset of different forms of inflammatory arthritis:
Genetic predisposition: Although inherited genes raise the risk of developing inflammatory arthritis, they do not ensure it.
Autoimmune Response: Inflammation and arthritis are brought on by the immune system of the body unintentionally attacking the tissues in its joints.
Environmental Triggers: In people who are genetically predisposed to arthritis, conditions like infections, smoking, or exposure to specific substances can cause the condition to start or worsen.
Chronic Inflammation: The body’s ongoing inflammatory response to a variety of stimuli can harm joints and exacerbate symptoms of arthritis.
Hormonal Factors: Especially in women, hormonal imbalances or alterations might affect how inflammatory arthritis develops and progresses.
Immune System Dysfunction: Excessive immune system activity causes arthritis-related inflammation and joint degeneration.
Inflammatory Arthritis Diagnosis
Following a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history and a joint-focused physical examination, the medical professional could suggest further diagnostic tests. These usually involve a mix of imaging studies and blood testing.
The following blood tests may be used to diagnose inflammatory arthritis:
A complete blood count (CBC) measures the concentrations of different blood cells.
Rheumatoid factor (RF): Frequently used as a marker for RA (rheumatoid arthritis).
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein: Offering insights into inflammation.
Test for uric acid: Determines whether high uric acid levels may indicate gout.
Imaging investigations, in addition to blood testing, provide visual information on damaged joints and aid in identifying damage and inflammatory indicators. Typical imaging techniques used to identify inflammatory arthritis include:
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan X-ray Ultrasound Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
When taken as a whole, these diagnostic tools help create a thorough picture of the patient’s condition, which makes it easier for the medical professional to make an accurate diagnosis and create a customised treatment plan.
Treatment for Inflammatory Arthritis
The goals of inflammatory arthritis treatment are to lessen symptoms, shield the joints from harm, and preserve quality of life. The following are the main strategies:
Drugs
Pain and inflammation are reduced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.
Corticosteroids: Used for flare-ups, they quickly reduce inflammation.
Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and other disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs): Slow the course of the disease and avoid damage to the joints and tissues.
Biologic agents: Aim at certain immune system components; prescribed in situations where conventional DMARDs are ineffective.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors: A more recent family of medications that suppresses specific immunological reactions.
Physical Medicine
It lessens discomfort and aids in maintaining joint function and range of motion.
Occupational Therapy
Teaches how to go about regular tasks without aggravating already-painful joints.
Surgery To replace or repair damaged joints in extreme circumstances, surgical methods such as joint replacement may be taken into consideration.
Changes in Lifestyle
Exercise: Low-impact exercises support the maintenance of muscular strength and joint flexibility.
Weight management is the process of lowering body weight’s impact on joints, especially the spine, hips, and knees.
Diet: Although this varies from person to person, some find that changing their diet helps with their symptoms.
Quitting smoking: Smoking can make symptoms worse and accelerate the course of the illness.
Conclusion
A variety of diseases with various forms and causes that are characterised by joint inflammation are included in the category of inflammatory arthritis, and proper diagnosis is essential for efficient treatment. For an early diagnosis, it is essential to consult with Dr. A K Sharma – the best orthopaedic doctor in Noida. Global Orthopaedics and Speciality Clinics has Dr. Ashok Kumar Sharma and physiotherapist who provide treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis. Book an appointment by calling at 8860610089 or visit our clinic at SK 237, Sector 116, Noida.
