Arthritis FAQs: Top 10 Common Questions About Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that leads to inflammation and pain in the joints by affecting them. Although arthritis can affect anyone regardless of age, it is commonly seen in older adults. The most common parts of the body affected by arthritis include the knees, shoulders, hips, hands, feet, and lower back. In most cases, arthritis leads to pain and stiffness in and around the joints and their tissues.
There are various types of arthritis, each of which varies in its symptoms and has various treatment options. Arthritis is a commonly occurring noncommunicable disease (NCD) that can affect anyone. There are a lot of questions and doubts that go around the mind of a patient having arthritis. Many times, the patient even forgets what to ask once in conversation with the doctor.
Common Questions About Arthritis
1. What are the various types of arthritis?
The various types of arthritis include Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout.
2. Is there a cure for arthritis?
No, there is no cure for arthritis. However, there are various treatment options available, like medications, weight loss, home remedies, exercises, and surgery, that help in the symptomatic management of arthritis.
3. What does psoriatic arthritis mean?
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is extremely common. It is a condition that affects the joints and develops in people having psoriasis.
4. What are the various home remedies for arthritis?
Losing weight exercises, massage, acupuncture, hot or cold compression, etc., are some home remedies that can help manage pain and inflammation related to arthritis. However, it is necessary to remember that these home remedies cannot cure arthritis but only help with symptomatic management.
5. Can I exercise if I have arthritis? Is it safe?
Yes, exercising while having arthritis is useful in improving strength, motion, and flexibility. However, it is important to take proper advice from a doctor before starting any exercise routine.
6. What are some exercises that I can do for arthritis?
There are certain low-impact activities that can be done if you have arthritis. These exercises include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, or water activities.
7. When should I go to a physiotherapist for arthritis?
You can go to a physiotherapist if the arthritis pain worsens, becomes unbearable, and affects your everyday life. A physiotherapist will help you in making a treatment program for managing arthritis.
8. Can arthritis affect children?
Yes, arthritis can affect children too. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) childhood arthritis is a common type of arthritis that can affect children.
9. What is Ankylosing arthritis?
Ankylosing arthritis is a common type of arthritis which affects the spine and joints of the hips.
11. What are the common symptoms of arthritis?
The common symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, decreased motion range, fever, rash or itch, and stiffness
Conclusion
While arthritis might not look like a serious condition, it should not be ignored. Upon experiencing any pain or inflammation in the joints that persist for longer than usual, it is essential to get it checked. Although arthritis is not curable, recent advances in medicine have made it possible to manage arthritis effectively.
It is important to ask the doctor about any doubts regarding arthritis and its treatment. It is also essential not to do anything like exercises or taking pain relieving medicines for a long time without seeking proper guidance from a doctor if affected by arthritis, as doing anything without proper guidance can worsen the condition and pain.
