Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects both small joints (such as the fingers) and large joints (such as the hips and knees). If left untreated, this condition can cause stiffness, deformity, and even limit the sufferer's range of motion.
Understanding the Main Types of Arthritis
In general, there are two types of arthritis that are most commonly encountered:
- Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common type, caused by the thinning of cartilage, causing bones to rub together. It typically affects the hands, knees, and hips.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy joints. Besides joints, RA can also affect other organs such as the heart and lungs.
Important Note: People often confuse RA with gout, but RA is chronic and involves the entire immune system.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Arthritis symptoms usually develop slowly and are worse in the afternoon or after activity. Look for the following signs:
- Pain and Stiffness: Joints feel difficult to move, especially after waking up or sitting for a long time.
- Physical Changes: Swelling, redness of the skin, or warmth in the joint area.
- Lumps and Noises: Small lumps around the joints and a "creaking" sound (crepitus) when the joint is moved.
Why Does Arthritis Occur?
The main causes depend on the type:
- Joint Wear and Tear: In Osteoarthritis, the protective covering of the joints (cartilage) is damaged due to age or overuse of the joints (e.g., frequent lifting of heavy objects).
- Immune Disorders: In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the immune system that is supposed to protect the body actually causes inflammation in the joints.
Who's at risk? Age (over 50), obesity, genetics, gender (more common in women), a history of sports injuries, and smoking can increase a person's risk of developing arthritis.
How did the EMC Tangerang Hospital Doctors Diagnose It?
If you experience the above symptoms, the doctor will carry out several stages of examination:
- Physical Examination: Checking for swelling and joint mobility.
- Laboratory Tests: Through blood samples, urine, or joint fluid analysis.
- Scanning (Imaging): * X-ray: Looks for bone damage.
- USG & MRI: Looks for soft tissue damage and early signs of inflammation that are not visible on X-rays.
- CT Scan: Checks hard-to-reach areas such as the spine.
Treatment and Care Steps
The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain and maintain joint function. Doctors usually recommend a combination of:
- Sports & Physiotherapy: To strengthen the muscles around the joints to make the joint position more stable.
- Medications: Use of painkillers (NSAIDs) or specific rheumatic drugs to reduce inflammation.
- Steroid Injections: Done directly into the joint if the inflammation is very bothersome.
- Surgery: The final step to repair or replace a badly damaged joint.
Complications to Prevent
It's crucial to treat arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis) early. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread and lead to other serious conditions such as:
- Anemia (lack of blood).
- Lung problems (fibrosis or scarring).
- Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cancer.
Do you or a family member frequently experience persistent joint pain? It's best to consult a doctor immediately for a physical examination to ensure an early diagnosis.
For accurate diagnosis and comprehensive medical treatment, you can visit EMC Tangerang Hospital as the best Orthopedic service center in Tangerang City, Banten.
EMC Tangerang Hospital is supported by a team of experienced orthopedic surgeons and advanced diagnostic facilities such as MRI and CT scans at competitive prices. We are ready to provide the best emergency and reconstructive care, so you can return to active movement without hindrance.
The article has been reviewed by Dr. Karisa Kartika Sukotjo, Sp.OT (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, EMC Tangerang & Sentul Hospital).