overview
Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age.
Different types of arthritis exist, each with different causes including wear and tear, infections and underlying diseases.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and stiffness.
Medication, physiotherapy or sometimes surgery helps reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.
While there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, physiotherapy and medication can help slow the disease’s progression. Most cases can be managed with a class of medications called anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS)
symptoms
arthritis
Requires a medical diagnosis
Symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and stiffness.
People may experience:
Pain areas: in the joints, ankle, back, fingers, hands, muscles, neck, or wrist
Pain types: can be intermittent or sharp
Pain circumstances: can occur while sitting
Joints: stiffness, tenderness, or swelling
Muscular: decreased range of motion, difficulty walking, or muscle weakness
Hand: bump on the finger or bony outgrowth in fingers or toes
Whole body: fatigue or malaise
Also common: flare, physical deformity, redness, or stiff neck
rheumatoid arthritis
Requires a medical diagnosis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.
People may experience:
Pain areas: in the joints, back, or muscles
Joints: stiffness, swelling, tenderness, or weakness
Whole body: fatigue, anaemia, or malaise
Skin: lumps or redness
Hand: bump on the finger or swelling
Also common: flare, dry mouth, physical deformity, or sensation of pins and needles
treatment
- Hydrotherapy- Using water to relieve pain, treat diseases and maintain health. For example, mineral baths and hot tubs.
- Stretching-Stretching exercises can improve flexibility and improve physical function.
- Massage-Relaxes tense muscles.
- Acupuncture-Insertion of needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and treat other conditions. A form of traditional Chinese medicine.
- Physical exercise- Aerobic activity for 20–30 minutes 5 days a week improves cardiovascular health. If injured, pursuing an activity that avoids the injured muscle group or joint can help maintain physical function while recovering
- Weight loss
- Can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of complications related to obesity.
- Yoga
- Heating pad
- Soothes painful muscles or joints and can help drain skin infections.
- Ice packsReduces inflammation and dulls sensation of pain.
- Cold compress
- Reduces inflammation and dulls sensation of pain.
- Immunosuppressive drug
- Reduces immune response.
- Anti-inflammatoryPrevents or counteracts swelling (inflammation) in joints and tissues.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- Relieves pain, decreases inflammation and reduces fever.
- SteroidModifies or simulates hormone effects, often to reduce inflammation or for tissue growth and repair.