Struggling with Joint Pains? Do your knees make clicking sounds while walking or getting up in the morning? If your answer is yes, it means you are afflicted with Arthritis. 

Arthritis is a physical condition that prevents your joint mobility. This condition affects millions of people worldwide. This is one of our greatest enemies. If you want to combat this enemy, you must know various facets of Arthritis so that you can diagnose this at an early  stage. 

Therefore, Thalamus Institute of Medical Sciences, popularly known as the best hospital in Siliguri, writes various facts of Arthritis in this blog. If you can manage reading this blog, you will get to know all about Arthritis, inclusive of its types, stages, risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatment options and prevention. 

Different Types of Arthritis: 

Arthritis is a common term, but there are many types of arthritis. They  are: 

• Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease that commonly occurs as people age. Due to the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, this condition causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis:  It is an autoimmune disorder, wherein the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the membranes surrounding the joints, resulting pain, joint damage, and even joint deformity and disability.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis commonly occurs in people who have the skin condition, psoriasis. 
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: This type of arthritis primarily affects the spine and can cause inflammation and fusion of the vertebrae. It can also involve other joints and cause stiffness and pain.
• Gout:  When uric acid crystals are built up in the joints, it leads to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and inflammation, often in the big toe.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: This condition affects children and adolescents. The common symptoms of this condition are joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest, swelling in affected joints, fatigue and irritability, fever and rash, growth problems and vision problems. 
  
  

Various Stages of Osteoarthritis: 

• Normal Stage: In this stage no joint space narrowing is visible in X-rays. 
• Mild Arthritis: In this stage, mild joint space narrowing is revealed in X-rays. 
• Moderate Arthritis: In this stage, joint space narrowing is revealed in X-rays. 
• Severe Arthritis: This is an advanced stage that can significantly affect daily life. Bone-to-bone contact is common in this stage. 

Early diagnosis and treatment at the best orthopaedic hospital in Siliguri can slow progression and improve outcomes.

Various Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis: 

• Early Stage: In this stage, you may experience mild joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. There is no visible joint damage on X-rays. Fatigue and general discomfort may appear.
• Moderate Stage: In this stage, joint pain and stiffness are increased and the range of motion is reduced. X-rays may show minor bone loss.
• Severe Stage: In this stage, there is extensive damage to cartilage and bones, and deformities may begin to develop along with muscle weakness and significant pain. 
• End Stage: In this stage, joints may stop functioning and you may experience severe pain, stiffness and deformities.

If you experience a severe stage of arthritis, consulting veteran orthopaedic surgeons at the best orthopaedic hospital in Siliguri, is indeed required. 

Risk Factors for Arthritis: 

The risk factors for arthritis vary depending on the specific type of arthritis. Yet, several common risk factors can increase the chance of developing arthritis. 

• Age: We know that our joints naturally wear down over time, and therefore, age is one of the important factors for developing arthritis. 
• Genetics: Family history can play a significant role in arthritis risk. 
• Obesity: Excess body weights puts added stress on the joints like the knees and hips, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Joint Injuries: Past joint injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can increase the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in the affected joints.
• Occupation: Are you wondering how occupation matters in regard to developing arthritis? Yes, jobs that involve repetitive joint movements, heavy lifting, or fixed postures can increase the risk of arthritis. 
• Hormonal Factors: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can influence the risk of arthritis, especially in women.
• Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.  
• Physical Activity: Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to obesity and joint stiffness. Therefore, it is also a vital risk factor of arthritis.
• Bone Density: Low bone density increases the risk of fractures and subsequent post-traumatic arthritis.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis:

Some common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Pain: Persistent pain in one or more joints is a notable symptom of arthritis. Stiffness: Arthritis often leads to joint stiffness, especially after waking up in the morning or sitting for a long time. 
• Limiting Mobility: If you lose the flexibility of joints or feel the pain during walking or running, you are prone to get afflicted with arthritis. 
• Fatigue: Many people with arthritis experience fatigue. 

Final Words:

If you  find any of the above symptoms mentioned in this blog, it is wise to consult orthopaedic specialists without wasting time. Thalamus Institute of Medical Sciences, popularly  known as one of the best hospitals in Siliguri, is well-equipped with world-class infrastructure and veteran orthopaedic surgeons, providing cutting-edge orthopaedic solutions.   

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Avoid self-diagnosis or taking medications without medical guidance.