You are here: PharmacyArticlesArthritisπ Arthritis Treatment, Causes, Signs & Symptoms Explained in Canada. Read more articles on: Arthritis Published on: March 16, 2022 Last Updated On: March 16, 2022 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. π Arthritis Treatment, Causes, Signs & Symptoms Explained in Canada. Table of Contents How to care for someone suffering from arthritis & its symptoms?What is Arthritis?What does arthritis look like? Arthritis Signs and SymptomsThe common types of arthritis include: Arthritis causes and symptomsMain Arthritis causesMain Arthritis SymptomsHow can you help treat Arthritis? Is there a cure?Arthritis Diagnosis, Treatment, and MedicationArthritis Diagnosis: Arthritis TreatmentArthritis foods to avoidRecommended reading for youHow to care for someone suffering from arthritis & its symptoms?Arthritis can have mild symptoms or be severely debilitating based on its type and severity. It may prevent an individual from performing daily activities. If your loved one has arthritis, there are certain ways in which you can help them. Letβs learn more about arthritis and tips on helping a loved one with arthritis.What is Arthritis?Arthritis can be defined as an inflammation of the joints that can affect one or multiple body joints. Joints are where two bones meet, for instance, your knee or elbow. There are various types of arthritis with different causes and treatments. Pain and swelling in the joints are common in all kinds of arthritis. Some types of arthritis may affect other body organs, such as skin or eyes. What does arthritis look like? Arthritis Signs and SymptomsThe symptoms of arthritis develop over time; however, they may appear suddenly in some cases. Arthritis is prevalent in people who are obese, and its incidence increases with age. It is best to understand the type of arthritis they suffer from and its common symptoms.The common types of arthritis include: Osteoarthritis: It is the most common type of arthritis that affects the protective tissues at the ends of the bonesRheumatoid arthritis: It occurs when the bodyβs own immune system mistakenly attacks its tissue, including jointsGout: It is a painful type of arthritis that happens when uric acid levels in the body increase more than normalJuvenile arthritis: It is a type of arthritis that occurs in childrenPsoriatic arthritis: It is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis Infectious arthritis: It is a type of arthritis that spreads from infection from another part of the body to the jointArthritis causes and symptomsMain Arthritis causesObesity Autoimmune disorders Family history Wear and tear of a joint from overuse Age Muscle weakness Injuries ALSO READ Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural TreatmentMain Arthritis SymptomsPain and swelling in joints are the most common symptoms of any arthritis. Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include: Muscle weakness around the joint Bony growths in the fingers Limited range of motion that sometimes goes away after movement Scraping feeling in the knees Instability of the joint Popping with bending Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include: Fatigue Morning stiffness Onset in small joints such as feet and hands Inflammation of the mouth and eyes Inflammation of heart muscle and blood vessels Reduced red blood count Multiple affected joints FeverHow can you help treat Arthritis? Is there a cure?In addition to self-management (mentioned below), the below-mentioned steps can be followed to help manage arthritis.You can take some actions at home, such as:Attending appointments with themFollow a healthy lifestyle with themStop smokingCutting down on alcohol, caffeine, and processed foodsHaving a balanced diet including foods rich in zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin KLosing weightHelping them to be organized by keeping track of their symptoms, pain levels, medications, and possible side effects of the medications Manage their pain and fatigue with adequate rest Improving their sleep as poor sleep can aggravate pain and fatigue in arthritisDo not allow them to sit in one position for long periodsArthritis Diagnosis, Treatment, and MedicationArthritis Diagnosis: Physicians will examine the person by physical examination to check for swelling, warmth, and redness. They will also check the range of motion of your joints. Laboratory test: Analysis of different types of body fluids can help diagnose the type of arthritis. Commonly analyzed fluids include joint fluid, blood, and urine. Imaging: Various types of tests can help to identify the problems within the joint that may be causing the symptoms, which include: X-rays: They can help detect cartilage loss, bone damage, and bone spurs. However, arthritic changes are not visible in the x-rays, but they can be used to track the progression of the disease CT-scan: CT-scan is an advanced version of x-rays that takes many different images from different angles and combines the information to get a cross-sectional view of the internal structures. CT scan helps to visualize both bone and the adjacent soft tissues MRI scan: MRI scan uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field. It produces highly detailed cross-sectional images of the tissues (tendons, ligaments, and cartilage)Ultrasound: USG uses high-frequency sound waves to take images of soft tissues, cartilage, and fluid-containing structures near the joints. ALSO READ Natural Ways to Ease Your Arthritis PainArthritis TreatmentThe aim of treatment in arthritis is to reduce joint pain, damage and improve or maintain function and quality of life. The physician may prescribe a combination of treatment methods to get maximum benefits.Medications and supplements to treat arthritis Various medications and supplements are used to treat arthritis. They include: Analgesics: Analgesics are effective to reduce pain; however, they do not help to reduce inflammation or progression of the diseaseSteroids: Steroids help reduce inflammation, joint damage, and pain. They are be used cautiously and for shorter periodsImmunosuppressants: These agents are prescribed for moderate to severe inflammatory arthritis. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: These agents slow the progression of the disease and prevent the other tissues from permanent damageNSAIDs: These agents are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain Counterirritants: Creams and ointments containing capsaicin or menthol are used for topical application on the affected joints. They block the transmission of pain signals from the jointVarious other treatments without medicationsWeight loss: Extra weight adds extra pressure on the weight-bearing joints. Shedding extra weight may increase mobility and may decrease future joint injuryExercise: Exercising daily helps to maintain mobility and flexibility in the joints. Swimming and water aerobics exercises help as the buoyancy of the water decreases stress on the jointsSurgery: When all the other treatment measures do not help, doctors may suggest surgery as an option to treat arthritis. Various surgeries such as Joint replacement: This procedure involves the removal of the damaged joint and replacing it with the artificial one. Hip and knee surgeries are most commonly done Joint repair: In some cases, the affected joint can be realigned or smoothed to decrease the pain and improve functionJoint fusion: This procedure is often used for smaller joints like fingers, wrist, or ankles. In this procedure, the ends of the bones are fused, which removes the inflamed areALSO READ Rheumatoid arthritis treatment with Celecoxib. Causes & Symptoms ExplainedFish oil and turmeric for arthritisSupplements such as fish oil and turmeric may reduce the inflammation of arthritis. However, there is a lack of clinical evidence that they are beneficial. One should always consult the doctor before taking any supplements to prevent interactions with other medicationsAlternative medicine: Many times, some people prefer alternative remedies for treating arthritis. These include:Fish oil AcupunctureGlucosamine Massage Yoga ChondroitinThe alternative medicines have little evidence regarding their effectiveness in arthritis. Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps in strengthening muscles around the affected joint. Exercises can help to improve the range of motion. The physical therapist will recommend a plan that includes daily movements and exercises that can be done at home. These movements and exercise help in building strength, balance, the flexibility of the joints and musclesHeat and cold compress: Heat and cold compress may help in reducing the arthritis pain Nutrient-rich diet: Consuming a balanced diet that gives your body all the nutrients it needs to function appropriately helps in managing the symptoms of arthritis. You should consume the following food items: Fresh vegetables Fresh fruits Lean proteins Nuts Whole grains Legumes FishArthritis foods to avoidProcessed meatFruit drinks with sugar Energy drinks and sodas Cakes, cookies, and donuts Fried packaged foods Dairy productsPizzaβs Chips and fries Self-management: Self-management of the disease is also vital, which includes: Protecting joints from the stress Reducing weight if you are obese Staying physically active Regular follow-ups with the doctor Taking medications and supplements on time Eating healthy dietDo not stay in one position for a more extended period Other precautionsAlways follow up with the doctors on a timely basisStay physically active Be organized Avoid unnecessary stress Manage pain and fatigue and take adequate rest Consume medications on a timely basis Always consult a doctor before consuming other medications or supplements Recommended reading for youRheumatoid arthritis treatment with Celecoxib. 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