What is arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single condition It is a complex term that represents joint pain and stiffness. Joints are places in the human body where two bones interact.Arthritis is a common but sometimes misunderstood disease, affects millions of people around the world, reducing their quality of life and daily activities. It refers to a number of joint-related disorders that cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Arthritis may affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Types of arthritis
Arthritis refers to a wide spectrum of disorders, each with its own distinct characteristics, causes, and treatment techniques.There are about 100 distinct varieties of arthritis, but the most prevalent are listed below.
Osteoarthritis (OA) :Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common kind of arthritis, defined by a progressive breakdown of cartilage in the joints. It often affects weight-bearing joints including the knees, hips, and spine, as well as the hands. Age, heredity, joint injury, and obesity are all risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a medical condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets the synovial tissue which is the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. This causes stretched irritation, infection, and eventually joint degeneration. RA primarily affects the tiny joints in the hands and feet, although it can also affect bigger joints.
Psoriatic arthritis :It is a kind of arthritis that affects certain people who have psoriasis, a skin disease. It causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in discomfort, stiffness, and edoema. Psoriatic arthritis can affect every joint in the body and can also cause inflammation in other tissues, including the eyes, skin, and nails.
Gout: Gout is a kind of arthritis defined by rapid and powerful events of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, most notably the big toe. It is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which is typically the result of uric acid overproduction or inadequate outflow. Gout attacks can be caused by specific meals, alcohol, drugs, and underlying health issues.
Ankylosing spondylitis : Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of painful arthritis that mostly affects the spine, resulting in stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Over time, the vertebral column (Spine structure)may fuse together, creating a stiff spine. Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect other joints, including the hips, shoulders, and knees.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: JIA)is a collection of chronic arthritic disorders that affect young people. These disorders are distinguished by joint inflammation lasting at least six weeks, with symptoms changing depending on the kind of JIA. Joint discomfort, edoema, stiffness, and limited range of motion are some of the common symptoms.
Reactive Arthritis: It is commonly known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a kind of arthritis that occurs in reaction to an infection in another region of the body, usually the genitourinary or stomach system. It frequently affects the joints, resulting in irritation, discomfort, and swelling, as well as other symptoms including urethritis and conjunctive eye.
Symptoms of arthritis
Arthritis symptoms differ according to the kind of arthritis and the afflicted joints. Some common forms of symptoms are:
Joint pain: Arthritis symptoms include constant or periodic discomfort in one or more joints. Pain level varies and might be characterized as boring, discomfort, vibrating, or extreme.
Joint Stiffness: Arthritis frequently produces stiffness, particularly in the morning or after times of idleness. Stiffness might make it difficult to move the afflicted joint over its whole range of motion.
Joint Swelling: An infection of the joint tissue (synovitis) can cause swelling and enlargement of the afflicted joint. Swelling may be noticeable and cause joint pain and discomfort.
Joint Redness and Warmth: Aggressive arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, can induce redness and warmth in the infected joints. This is a result of increased blood flow and inflammation in the region.
Reduced Degree of Motion: Arthritis can reduce the capacity to move around of afflicted joints, resulting in a smaller range of motion. Walking, climbing stairs, and bending may all be affected by this restriction.
Joint Deformity: Chronic pain and joint injury can lead to joint abnormalities such alignment issues, bone growth, and stiffness. Joint abnormalities can alter the look and function of the afflicted joint.
Fatigue : Fatigue is a common symptom of arthritis, and it can be physical or emotional. Chronic pain, inflammation, and altered sleep patterns caused by arthritis can all contribute to feelings of sadness and stress.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles around arthritic joints might be caused by neglect, pain suppression, or nerve injury. Muscle weakness can worsen joint function and stability.
Difficulty with Routine work: Arthritis symptoms can make it difficult to dress, groom, cook, and do household duties. Functional restrictions may differ according to the level and place of joint presence.
Systemic Symptoms: Arthritis can cause systemic symptoms including fever, weight loss, and tiredness. These symptoms are more common with inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes of arthritis
The causes of arthritis differ depending on the kind of arthritis. While the actual cause of many kinds of arthritis is unknown, various variables can influence its development and progression. The following are some frequent causes and risk factors for arthritis:
Genetics: Certain kinds of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, are influenced by genetic factors. Individuals who have a family history of arthritis may be more likely to acquire the ailment.
Age: Arthritis is more likely to develop as people age. The most prevalent kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is frequently related with ageing and damage that occurs of joint cartilage over time.
Joint Injury or Excessive usage: Past joint injuries, such as fractures, ligament tears, or repetitive stress injuries, might predispose people to develop arthritis later in life. Overuse or repeated actions in the joints can also cause cartilage degradation and pain.
Chronic Disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune illnesses occur when the immune system erroneously attacks the body’s tissues, including the synovium. This immune reaction causes long-term inflammation, joint degeneration, and arthritis symptoms.
Infection: Some bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause reactive arthritis, a kind of arthritis that develops in reaction to another infection in the body(including COVID 19). Reactive arthritis mostly affects the joints, producing pain, discomfort, and swelling.
Metabolic irregularities : Metabolic irregularities such as gout and pseudogout, are caused by the deposition of crystals in joints. The accumulation of uric acid crystals causes gout, whereas calcium pyrophosphate crystals produce pseudogout. Crystal deposits can cause joint inflammation and arthritic symptoms.
Obesity: Overweight puts additional stress on the joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. Obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis because it speeds up the degradation of joint cartilage and increases the probability of getting arthritis.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those caused by menopause or pregnancy, may increase the chance of getting certain kinds of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Environmental Factors: Cigarette smoking, air pollution, and work risks can all raise the likelihood of developing arthritis . Additionally, lifestyle factors such as food, physical activity levels, and stress management might influence arthritis risk and severity.
At what age does arthritis generally start?
Arthritis can develop at any age, although it is most usually associated with older adults. It most commonly affects people over the age of 50, but it can develop sooner, particularly in situations of joint damage or overuse.
Rheumatoid arthritis may impact people of all ages, including children and young adults. However, it usually arises between the ages of 30 and 60.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a range of chronic arthritic disorders that primarily affect kids and teenagers under the age of 16.
The age of beginning arthritis varies according to the kind of arthritis, hereditary factors, environmental effects, and lifestyle behaviors.
How does a doctor diagnose arthritis?
Arthritis is often diagnosed by a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging investigations. The doctor will start by gathering a complete medical history, including information on the origin and length of symptoms, their location and force, any factors that irritate or alleviate symptoms, and any prior injuries or medical disorders. A comprehensive physical examination will be performed to evaluate joint function, range of motion, edoema(wound), swelling, and symptoms of pain. The doctor may also check other regions of the body for evidence of systemic involvement, such as skin changes or tumours
How does ayurveda help in arthritis?
Ayurveda takes an overall approach to arthritis management, treating its fundamental causes and restoring a stable state in the body and mind. Ayurvedic arthritis therapies primarily aim to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and prevent future damage to the joints. Here are a few ways Ayurveda might help with arthritis:
Plant-based solutions: Ayurveda uses a variety of herbal medications and formulations to treat arthritis symptoms and improve joint health. Turmeric, ginger, Boswellia, Ashwagandha, Guggul, and Triphala are common herbs used to treat arthritis. These herbs contain pain reliever, and immunomodulatory effects that help relieve joint pain and inflammation.
Food Suggestions: Ayurvedic dietary rules are designed to balance the doshas and promote general health and wellness. In arthritis management, the emphasis is on eating foods that balance increased doshas and minimize inflammation. Ayurvedic dietary suggestions for arthritis may include adding warming spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin, easily digested meals, and avoiding foods that are heavy, cold, or difficult to digest.
Way of life modifications: Ayurveda highlights the importance of lifestyle choices in preserving health and preventing disease. Making lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling stress, getting enough rest, and following a daily schedule (dinacharya), can help manage arthritis symptoms and improve joint function.
Panchakarma Therapies: Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic cleansing and purifying therapy, is an important part of arthritis care. Panchakarma treatments include Abhyanga (oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), Basti (enema therapy), and Nasya (nasal therapy), which assist the body remove toxins (ama), reduce pain, and enhance joint mobility.
Yoga and Meditation: Spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga are essential components of Ayurvedic therapy for arthritis. Gentle yoga poses, stretching exercises, and pranayama (breathing methods) all serve to increase joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce stress. Meditation and relaxation practices boost emotional comfortably, minimize feelings of pain, and improve general health.
Ayurvedic External Therapies: External therapies used in Ayurveda include Janu Basti (knee oil-pooling treatment), Pinda Sweda (herbal poultice massage), and Patra Pinda Sweda (leaf bundle massage) to relieve joint pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation to the affected joints.
How does one prevent arthritis?
While it is not always feasible to completely avoid arthritis, certain changes in habits and strategies can help to minimize the chance of becoming the disease or postpone it. Here are some ways to prevent arthritis:
keeping a Balanced Weight
On a regular basis workout
Choose low-impact or joint-friendly activities
Have a Nutritious Meal
Keep safe(protect) Your Joints
Control Stress
Avoid Smoking
Routine Checkups
Pay attention to your body’s signals(joint pain, stiffness, or swelling )
By taking a preventative approach to joint fitness and adopting healthy lifestyle choices, you may help your joints and general well-being for over the years.
Conclusion
By adopting the concepts of Ayurveda and taking an active approach to joint health, you can reduce arthritic symptoms, improve your overall quality of life, and build a feeling of balance, energy, and harmony within your body and mind.
Dr. Divyaraj Rathod, an experienced Ayurvedic doctor at Divine Ayurveda Hospital, focuses on systemic arthritis therapy that addresses the condition’s underlying cause. Dr. Divyaraj Rathod at Divine Ayurveda Hospital treats arthritis symptoms and promotes long-term joint health by combining traditional Ayurvedic therapies, herbal medicines, dietary suggestions, lifestyle changes, and Panchakarma treatments.Dr. Rathod’s approach to arthritis therapy focuses not just on reducing symptoms, but also on treating the underlying cause of the problem to avoid recurrence and improve total wellbeing.
