Arthritis / Rheumatism - Symptoms, Causes, Types & Home remedies for arthritis

Arthritis / Rheumatism

Arthritis / Rheumatism is an inflammation of the joints that affects one or more joints. It is almost in all developed countries, a large number of people are affected by arthritis. This rheumatism disease has become the cause of physical disability of people aged 50-55 years or above. Nowadays the problem of arthritis is serious and widespread. Arthritis is not a disease, but a combination of many diseases. There are many types of arthritis visible.

What is arthritis ?

Arthritis / Rheumatism is indicated by swelling and pain or inflammation in one or more bone joints of the body. Arthritis usually affects joints such as the wrists, knees, hips, or fingers, and can also affect other connective tissue and organs, including the skin.

Causes of Arthritis:

Excess obesity or being overweight can cause arthritis. The risk of developing arthritis may increase with age.

History of trauma:

Arthritis problems can be observed due to any past trauma to the body.

Family physical history:

A family history of arthritis can lead to arthritis.

Infections:

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can infect the body’s joints and cause inflammation or arthritis.

Arthritis / Rheumatism Symptoms :

Arthritis, like other diseases, develops slowly. Many people do not easily understand its effect at the elementary level. Symptoms of the disease include mild pain and inflammation in the hands and feet. Gradually this inflammation or pain becomes more severe. You may experience fever, loss of appetite along with paralysis due to acute inflammation of the affected area.
Some common symptoms of arthritis are knee pain that makes it difficult to move. In this case, stiffness of the knee joint makes it difficult to bend and straighten the knee. The most affected areas in arthritis problems are ankles, feet joints and knee joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the skin, eyes, and urinary tract, along with inflammation.
The symptoms of this disease include pain in different parts of the body, loss of appetite, fever, insomnia, fatigue, numbness of arms and legs, weakness of arms and legs, slight redness of the eyes may be observed. In many cases, the arms and legs may feel tight.
Arthritis affects the joints of the body. This results in pain, inflammation, stiffness and swelling at the junction of two bones or joints. Joints like elbows, fingers, knees etc. Early symptoms of arthritis include pain, joint stiffness, swelling of joints and surrounding tissues.

What are 3 Symptoms of Arthritis?

Symptoms:

  1. Pain
  2. Stiffness
  3. Swelling

Causes of Arthritis / Rheumatism:

Rheumatism / Arthritis is indicated due to excessive sexual intercourse or ejaculation, taking cold food, traveling, exercise, sleep less, vomiting, fasting, tention, anger etc.

Different types of arthritis :

There are over 100 different types of arthritis.
Some of the most commonly observed rheumatic diseases are:

Rheumatoid arthritis :

This type of arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly damages your joints. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects more organs in the body besides the joints. It can affect various body systems such as the heart, skin, blood vessels, lungs and eyes.

Osteoarthritis:

This is one of the most common patterns observed in arthritis. Millions of people around the world are affected by it. It can affect body joints like knees, spine, hands.

Gout:

Due to Excess uric acid is observed gout. It is a complicated form of arthritis. It can affect anyone. The patient may experience severe pain, redness, swelling in the joints of his body. The greatest effect is observed at the base of the big toe.

Ankylosing spondylitis :

Arthritis that affects the lower back joints.

 

What is the incidence of arthritis ?

Arthritis is a prevalent condition, affecting over one-third of Indian. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, affects around half of all adults. It occurs when cartilage in a joint breaks down, causing bone changes that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Over time, these changes can worsen.
Arthritis occurs naturally as you age due to wear and tear on joints’ cartilage. Hyperuricemia can lead to gout. The immune system can cause arthritis by mistakenly damaging joints.

What is the usual starting age of arthritis?

Arthritis can develop at any age, with osteoarthritis affecting adults over 50, and rheumatoid arthritis typically developing in adults aged 30 to 60. Other types, such as post-traumatic arthritis and gout, start closer to the specific trigger. Symptoms of Arthritis should be sought immediately, as timely treatment can limit its effects and impact on life.

Diagnosis of Arthritis :

To diagnose arthritis, a specialist or health care provider performs a physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging tests.

Tests done to diagnose arthritis include :

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests
  • X-rays
  • Imaging tests
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF) test :

The rheumatoid factor or RF test is an important blood test that helps diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis. By detecting RF antibodies that can attack healthy tissue, it provides insight into the immune dysfunction associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Blood Anti-CCP Antibody Test:

An important blood test for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. It is used for detection of antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) in blood/plasma. This test is more specific and effective for rheumatoid arthritis.

Some common tests are to confirm the disease of Rheumatism :

(1) Uric acid test.
(2) Blood test for Full thyroid. (Serum for T3, T4, TSH),
(4) Bone x-ray or scan of the pain area or if necessary the whole body.
(5) Urine creatine test

Details:

Blood uric acid test :

Excess uric acid can cause swelling and pain in various parts of the body.
A 2nd test may be considered if blood uric acid is normal.

Full thyroid test of blood :

If thyroid is found in the blood, hair growth, body swelling or dryness may be observed along with similar symptoms.

Bone x-ray or scan :

Osteoarthritis is caused by bone or bone loss. Due to weight bearing or prolonged immobility, erosion of the bone junction may be indicated, which may be accompanied by pain (body pain) and fever.

Urea Creatinine Test :

Kidney function is determined by urine urea creatinine test. Kidney disease can lead to bone weakness, bone weakness can mean bone aches and pains that may mimic rheumatism, the normal function of the kidneys is to excrete the body’s waste products through the kidneys.

 

Management and Treatment :

A specialist/physician can help you find ways to manage arthritis symptoms. The cause of arthritis, its type, and the joints it affects determine the treatment you need.

Arthritis Treatment
Or
Home remedies for Arthritis
Or
Arthritis / Rheumatism Treatment Ayurvedic

You can take the help of home remedies for Rheumatism or arthritis pain.

Sesame seeds consumption: Consuming calcium-rich sesame is beneficial to strengthen weak or weak bones. Sesame seeds can be consumed in gout with any rheumatism. You can lightly fry any black or white sesame available in the market, it makes the sesame slightly crunchy. You can consume sesame twice a day with one spoonful.

Consuming sesame oil can be beneficial in various types of arthritis.
Ginger powder, cinnamon powder, raw or powdered garlic, walnuts can be used as home remedies for various types of arthritis problems.

Consumption of dry ginger : You can consume 1 gram of ginger powder twice a day.

Consumption of cinnamon powder :
You can consume 1 gram of cinnamon powder twice a day after meals.

Garlic : 1 or 2 cloves of garlic can be chewed or crushed and consumed with warm water.
*Note: Consumption and quantity of different herbs or food items may vary depending on place, time and situation. Inexperienced can definitely take the advice and help of an expert.

What should not be eaten when arthritis?

Drinks that are high in sugar can increase arthritis pain. Experts advise gout patients to avoid candy, ice cream, extra sweets, processed meats, redmeat, excessive alcohol consumption, lemons, tomatoes and citrus fruits. If you have gout, it is better to avoid syrups, soft drinks, soda drinks. Acidic fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits and nightshade vegetables such as potatoes, brinjals and capsicums can worsen symptoms.

 

What are the risk factors of Rheumatism / Arthritis ?

Older adults : Arthritis is a common condition that increases with age due to inflammation, muscle loss, and low muscle mass, which can lead to increased risk of falls and joint injuries, as well as increased risk of falls.

Men and women: Arthritis can affect men differently, with women more likely to develop osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, while men are more likely to develop gout. The reasons behind these sex differences remain unclear.

People with a family history of arthritis: Family history of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis, can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions, making them more likely to be passed down through generations.

Overweight People: Extra weight can increase joint stress, potentially worsening knee or hip osteoarthritis pain.