What To Do If You Think You Have Arthritis? When To See A Doctor?

Arthritis is a condition that results in inflammation of one or more joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that arthritis affects nearly 53 million adults in the United States, most of whom are women.

Types And Effective Treatment For Arthritis

While there is no cure for arthritis, treatments are available to help relieve symptoms. Here, we will discuss the different types of arthritis, common symptoms, and treatment options.

There are many different types of arthritis, but they all involve inflammation of the joints.

1. Osteoarthritis- This is the most common type of arthritis, and it occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis- This type of arthritis occurs when your body’s immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation and pain.

3. Psoriatic arthritis- This type of arthritis develops in people with psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin.

4. Gout- This form of arthritis happens when uric acid builds up in the body, forming crystals in the joints that cause severe pain and swelling.

5. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing the vertebrae to fuse.

👉How do you know if you have arthritis?

There are several different ways to know if you have arthritis. One way is to look at the symptoms of arthritis. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Another way to know if you have arthritis is by getting a blood test done. Arthritis can cause inflammation in the body, which can be seen in a blood test. Lastly, an x-ray can be used to see if you have arthritis. Arthritis causes changes in the bones and joints, which can be seen on an x-ray. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of arthritis or if you think you may have arthritis, it is important to speak with your doctor. They will be able to do tests to confirm whether or not you have arthritis and help you find the best treatment for your condition.

👉What to do if you think you have arthritis?

If you think you may have arthritis, the first step is to see your doctor. The sooner you get an accurate diagnosis and treatment, the better.

• You’ll likely want to bring a family member or friend with you on your visit. Your doctor will ask questions about your past health and family history, examine the affected joint or joints, and order tests.

• It’s important to be open and honest with your doctor — don’t hold back any information that could help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

• Let your doctor know if you find it hard to talk about the physical limitations caused by arthritis. Many treatments can help slow or even reverse joint damage — but only if arthritis is diagnosed early on.

👉What are the symptoms of arthritis? 

The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type you have. Some forms, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are long-term. Others are short-lived, such as gout.

The main symptom is a pain in the affected joints. This may be worse at certain times of the day or after certain activities. You may also have:

• stiffness — particularly first thing in the morning or after a long period of rest;

• swelling and inflammation in and around the joint;

• redness of the skin around the joint;

• loss of movement in your joints;

• weakness and muscle wasting (if you’re not able to use the joint properly);

• Joints that appear slightly larger than normal (but not swollen).

• Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause problems with other parts of your body and your joints.

👉What can people with arthritis do to help manage their condition?

There are several things that people with arthritis can do to help manage their condition. One is to maintain a healthy weight. This can help reduce the amount of stress on the joints. Another is to exercise regularly. Exercise can help improve joint function and flexibility.

Additionally, people with arthritis should avoid excessive stress on the joints, such as running or high-impact sports. They should also try to protect their joints from injury by using the proper technique during activities and using appropriate joint-protection devices, such as braces or splints. Finally, people with arthritis can take medications to help relieve pain and inflammation.