Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes & Risks

Arthritis doctor in Hyderabad

Arthritis doctor in Hyderabad | Orthopedic Surgeon | Arthritis Specialist

If you are wondering what exactly is arthritis and have the notion that it affects only elderly people then you could be wrong!

Arthritis is not a single disease. It is rather a term that refers to more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions.

Can Arthritis Affect only Joints?

Arthritis affects people of all ages, ethnicity, gender, and races. Though it looks like arthritis is a mild condition, capable of damaging only your joints, it can affect your lungs, eyes, heart, kidneys, and skin as well.

Does Arthritis Cause Structural Changes in the joints?

Arthritis can remain an asymptomatic and subtle condition for years, but in most cases, it is capable of permanently damaging the joints and causing changes in joint structure. In a majority of the cases, joint structural changes are seen on X-rays but are also visible as knobby finger joints (Rheumatoid arthritis).

Furthermore, there could be a very strong possibility that you could miss the initial signs and symptoms of arthritis.

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Joint pain – mild, moderate, or severe
  • Stiffness in the joints
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Reduced mobility & restricted motions

What happens if you have arthritis?

If you have arthritis, you will feel stiffness in your joints, doing routine activities become difficult for you; walking upstairs and downstairs become troublesome; you will also experience moderate to severe joint pain. The symptoms can progress and become worse over a period of time.

What are the major causes of arthritis?

  • Joint injuries, excessive usage, and post-traumatic injuries
  • Demanding jobs and professions such as construction works carpentry and farming
  • Sports that involve repetitive joint movements and usage
  • Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, activity or work, excess body weight (obesity)

Common types of Arthritis

These are the most common types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Is there a way to prevent arthritis and remain healthy?

Proper diet, rest, work, and life balance can help in preventing arthritis even if it is due to aging.

Though aging is an inevitable part of your life, you can prevent joint problems by managing your weight, staying active, and eating a healthy diet.

Diet – avoid sugar, salts, highly processed foods, red meat, and packaged foods.

Consume – berries, leafy greens, whole grains, fruits, and olive oil.

Activity – remain active, and walk regularly.

Involve in physical activities regularly. If you experience mild to moderate joint pain and stiffness, you can apply hot or cold compresses, use OTC medications and use assistive devices. Next, talk to your physiotherapist about a set of exercises and activities.

Bottom Line

If you think that you could have a joint problem, then get an accurate diagnosis done by a specialist orthopedic doctor. An orthopedic doctor specializes in diagnosing the cause of your joint pain. The doctor will treat the condition and help preserve your joint. He or she will also suggest or recommend many things to improve mobility, joint function, and quality of your life.

Based on the severity of the condition, treatment options may vary and they involve medications, physical activity, weight management, and surgical intervention.

Whether it is a mild, moderate or severe (chronic) joint problem affecting joint mobility and quality of life, there are different treatment options and surgical solutions. If you are searching for the best arthritis doctor in Hyderabad, meet Dr. Praharsha M.