Arthritis refers to the disorder of joints caused as a result of inflammation.  A joint is the meeting point of two or more bones of the human body.  A joint’s important function is to provide movement for the bones meeting at that joint. Arthritis is usually accompanied by pain and swelling in the joint. You can visit orthopedic clinic to know more about it.

Various types of arthritis

There are various types of arthritis. At present there are about 100 types of identified cases of arthritis and the number is still growing. Osteoarthritis is the term used to refer to the arthritis caused by the wearing out of cartilage. The arthritis caused as a result of overactive immune system is known as rheumatoid arthritis. These two forms of arthritis constitute the most common types of chronic illness in the United States.

Causes of arthritis

The form of the arthritis decides its cause. Normal aging and consequent wear and tear can cause osteoarthritis.  If you belong to a family of arthritic history then there is high risk of osteoarthritis being developed in you. Infection or injury can also lead to OA. When the immune system of one’s body attacks the tissues of the body, rheumatoid arthritis occurs. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the soft tissue in your joint. This disease slowly invades the joint and destroys it. It eventually destructs the bone and cartilage inside the joint.

Symptoms of arthritis

Stiffness and pain in joints and swelling are common symptoms of arthritis. Redness of the skin is seen around the joint. Your ability to move the joint is reduced. Most people experience worst symptoms in the morning time. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis you may feel more appetite and feel tired. You may become anemic and have slight fever.

Treatment of arthritis

The aim of treatment is to reduce the pain experienced by the patient and to safeguard the joint from further deterioration and to improve the joint function.

Medication: Medications like analgesics, non steroidal drugs used for inflammation like ibuprofen etc are useful in controlling the pain and inflammation. For rheumatoid arthritis doctors prescribe corticosteroids or anti rheumatic drugs.

Surgery: Replacing your existing joint with an artificial joint in a surgical procedure is an option that will be taken up only if traditional methods do not give any relief to the patient’s problems.  For arthritis related to your wrists or fingers doctors also perform joint fusion surgeries. In this surgery, the ends of your bones in fingers etc are fused together and made one for giving at least limited mobility which is better than no mobility at all.  You need to visit the best orthopedic doctor in Mclean for this treatment.