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Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints and surrounding tissues. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common form. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the specific disease, but the most frequent ones include pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility in the affected joint. Currently, many treatment methods are available to help reduce pain and slow down joint damage.

Types of arthritis

"Arthritis" is a broad term describing pain, stiffness, and swelling at the joints where two bones meet to help the body move. Each of the 100+ types of arthritis has its own causes and mechanisms.

Common types include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): The most prevalent form. It causes the cartilage between joints to wear down gradually, narrowing the joint space and leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune and inflammatory disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells. RA typically affects the hands, wrists, and knees.
• Gout: A type of arthritis caused by excessive uric acid buildup in the body. It usually affects one joint at a time, most commonly the big toe.
• Juvenile arthritis: Also known as childhood arthritis. This condition can cause permanent joint damage.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments along the spine.
• Psoriatic arthritis: Causes inflammation in the joints and areas where ligaments attach to bone, associated with the skin condition psoriasis.
• Reactive arthritis: Occurs after an infection elsewhere in the body. Symptoms usually appear after the primary infection has cleared.

Symptoms of arthritis

Common symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected area. Symptoms may start mild but can worsen over time and flare up in episodes.

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Typically involves pain or aching in the hips, hands, and knees, often with swelling and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Includes pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling in multiple joints simultaneously. Patients may also experience weight loss, fever, fatigue, or weakness.
• Juvenile arthritis: Children may suffer from joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue, which can lead to poor appetite or difficulty walking and playing.
• Gout: Characterized by intense swelling, redness, and heat in the affected joint (often the big toe or ankle). It usually starts suddenly and can last for days or weeks.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: Most commonly causes pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, which often worsens with inactivity and improves with exercise.
• Psoriatic arthritis: Includes joint pain and stiffness, swollen fingers and toes, and may be accompanied by nail changes or red eyes.
• Reactive arthritis: Often affects one side of the body, particularly the knees and ankles, and may include lower back or heel pain.

Risk factors

While some risks are inherited, others can be managed through lifestyle changes:

• Smoking
• Genetics
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Joint injuries
• Female gender
• Overweight or obesity
• Older age
• Occupations involving repetitive bending or joint pressure

How is arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a medical history. Your doctor will ask when symptoms started and about your family history, followed by a physical exam to check for:

• Fluid around the joint.
• Warmth or redness.
• Range of motion.

The following tests may be ordered:

• Blood tests: To identify inflammatory markers like those in RA.
• Joint fluid analysis: To check for uric acid levels.
• Biopsy: Taking tissue samples to check for specific types of arthritis.
• X-rays: To look for signs of inflammation, erosion, or joint damage.

Treatment methods

While there is no complete cure for arthritis, treatment goals focus on:

• Reducing pain and inflammation.
• Improving mobility.
• Preventing further joint damage.

Depending on the type of arthritis, the doctor will apply specific treatments. Some general treatments include:

• Gentle exercise: Such as walking, strength training, and range-of-motion exercises.
• Physical therapy: To improve mobility, increase strength, and help perform daily activities
• Over-the-counter medications: Such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs for pain relief.
• Prescription drugs: Including corticosteroids, DMARDs, and biologics.
• Acupuncture: Helps reduce pain and improve mobility in people with moderate to severe pain. It may take several weeks to see effects
• Massage: Helps reduce pain, but should be performed by a physical therapist experienced with arthritis

How to prevent arthritis flare-ups?

Early detection and timely treatment can help reduce joint damage. Additionally, you can reduce the risk of flare-ups by avoiding repetitive or overexerted movements. Other measures to prevent or reduce flare-ups include:

• Stay active: Sitting for a long time makes joints stiff. Gentle movement helps maintain flexibility, such as walking or swimming.
• Stress management: Meditation or breathing exercises can help control pain.
• Heat and cold therapy: Warm temperatures help reduce joint pain and relax muscles, while cold temperatures help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts pressure on the hip and knee joints. Losing weight helps reduce pain and improve joint function.

Related diseases

Arthritis can lead to or be related to many different conditions. Some common diseases in people with arthritis include:

• Osteoporosis: People with inflammatory arthritis have a high risk of osteoporosis, a condition of bone loss and bone weakness due to inflammation.
• Lung disease: People with rheumatoid arthritis are prone to lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Heart disease: Chronic inflammation can narrow blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Diabetes: People with inflammatory arthritis have a risk of diabetes and diabetic nerve complications.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a chronic disease that can affect daily activities. As the disease progresses, you may experience persistent pain and difficulty moving or doing simple tasks. However, there are now many ways to control arthritis and prevent flare-ups with medication and lifestyle changes.

If you are having joint pain, see a doctor to determine the cause and get timely treatment. Early diagnosis helps prevent joint damage and maintain mobility.

To schedule an arthritis consultation at DYM Medical Center Vietnam, please contact:

• DYM Medical Center Saigon: Room B101-B103, Basement 1, mPlaza Saigon Building, No. 39 Le Duan, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

• DYM Medical Center Phu My Hung: Room 3A01, 3A Floor, The Grace Building, 71 Hoang Van Thai Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

• DYM Medical Center Hanoi: B1 Basement, Epic Tower, Alley 19 Duy Tan, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi

• Hotline: 1900 29 29 37