Arthritis: Symptoms, Types & Treatment

Overview

Arthritis literally means 'inflammation of a joint'. The most common form, osteoarthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness and reduced motion, most often in the knees, hips, hands and spine.

Other forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are autoimmune conditions where the body's own immune system attacks the joint lining, often affecting several joints on both sides of the body.

Arthritis is a long-term condition, but its progression and impact on daily life can often be slowed and managed effectively with early diagnosis and consistent treatment.

Symptoms

• Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest (osteoarthritis)
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes (more typical of inflammatory arthritis)
• Swelling, warmth or redness over the joint
• Reduced range of motion
• A grinding or crackling sensation on joint movement
• Joint deformity in advanced or long-standing disease

Causes

• Age-related wear and tear of joint cartilage
• Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Previous joint injury or fracture (post-traumatic arthritis)
• Genetic predisposition
• Obesity, which increases load on weight-bearing joints
• Metabolic conditions such as gout

Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Family history of arthritis
• Obesity
• Previous joint injury or surgery
• Repetitive joint stress from occupation or sport
• Autoimmune disease elsewhere in the body

When to See a Doctor

See an orthopaedic doctor if joint pain and stiffness persist for more than a few weeks, interfere with daily activities, or are accompanied by visible swelling or deformity.

Seek prompt evaluation if a joint becomes suddenly hot, red and severely painful, as this can indicate infection or an acute inflammatory flare needing urgent treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis combines a detailed history, joint examination and imaging to confirm the type and severity of arthritis.

• Clinical examination of joint swelling, deformity and range of motion
• X-rays to assess joint space narrowing and bone changes
• Blood tests for inflammatory markers when rheumatoid or autoimmune arthritis is suspected
• MRI in select cases to assess cartilage and soft tissue detail

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and stage of arthritis and aims to relieve pain, preserve function and slow progression.

• Weight management and activity modification
• Physiotherapy and joint-strengthening exercises
• Oral or topical anti-inflammatory medication
• Intra-articular injections for select patients
• Disease-modifying medication for autoimmune arthritis, coordinated with a rheumatologist where needed
• Joint replacement surgery for advanced osteoarthritis that no longer responds to conservative care

Expected Outcomes

Early-stage arthritis is often well controlled with lifestyle changes and medication. Advanced joint damage generally needs surgical treatment such as joint replacement to restore comfortable movement. Outcomes are discussed individually based on the joint involved and disease stage.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Assessment by Dr. Vishal Murkute, MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics, Diploma in Orthopaedics, fellowship-trained in joint replacement and arthroscopy
• Individualised treatment plan based on the type and stage of arthritis
• Guidance on non-surgical management before considering surgery
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune