Homeopathy, Lifestyle

What is Arthritis? Its Causes, Symptoms and Probable Treatments

what is arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that mainly causes joint inflammation and affects millions globally. Many people are not aware of the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of the disease. In this article, we will discuss several key factors in arthritis and provide a comprehensive idea of how to deal with the condition.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic disorder that can persist for a long period of time. It occurs due to inflammation and damage to the single or multiple joints. Joints are the connections between two bones. The natural wear and tear of the joint, joint cartilage, and the tissue surrounding the joint with age can lead to arthritis. Other than age, there are several other health conditions or injuries that damage the joints and can cause this condition. It can occur in any joint, like:

  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Hands and wrists
  • Feet and ankles
  • Lower spine
  • Shoulders

Types of Arthritis

The most common types are:

  • Osteoarthritis occurs due to the gradual damage to joint cartilage. It generally affects people after the age of 50 or 60. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis can also strike women over 40. Obese people are more prone to it.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body attacks the tissues and joints, resulting in inflammation and damage to the joints.
  • Gout is a condition that occurs due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.
  • Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people with the autoimmune skin disorder psoriasis
  • Juvenile arthritis is mainly observed in individuals below the age of 16.

Causes of Arthritis

From autoimmune reactions to age-related wear and tear, it can have a variety of causes including:

  • Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is associated with aging and the progressive degeneration of joint cartilage.
  • A bacterial or viral infection of the joint can cause infectious arthritis.
  • The immune system attacking the joints causes autoimmune arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Uric acid crystalization in the joints can form gout.

There are also some types that occur without any cause and are termed idiopathic arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type. They can appear suddenly or gradually. Despite their types, they all come with the following common symptoms:

  • Pain: Pain can come and go or be constant. People can experience it only in one part or many parts of the body.
  • Stiffness: One common symptom is stiffness. For some, this is probably what happens when they wake up in the morning, after spending a lot of time at a desk, or after spending a lot of time in a car. For others, the stiffness could last for a long time or just happen after physical activity.
  • Swelling: Certain forms of arthritis cause redness, swelling, and a warm feeling on the skin above the affected joint.
  • Difficulty in movement: Due to the damage to joints, people can face difficulty in moving their body parts, getting out of chairs, bending, or any other activity associated with joints.

Treatments for Arthritis

Although it cannot be completely cured; however, there are several remedies that can reduce and control its symptoms:

  • Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic treatments for arthritis are beneficial for individuals as they are derived from natural sources with zero side effects. Some common homeopathy medicines include:

Aconite – The sudden inflammation in the joints can be treated by consuming aconite.
Belladonna – Another useful homeopathic medicine that helps to reduce sudden acute pain.
Bryonia alba – Helpful medicine for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Apart from these, there are several other combinations of medicines used for the treatment. It is necessary to consult with an expert before starting to take any medicines. Connect with our specialized doctors at PMRI Homeo through an online consultation for effective treatment.

  • Physical therapy

Physical therapy that includes specific exercises helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joints and can relieve the individual. Exercise helps to increase flexibility and build strength to improve reduced mobility.

  • Surgery

Doctors can perform surgery to replace joints with artificial ones for arthritis in the knees or hips. A joint fusion surgery is used for arthritis in fingers and wrists, where bones are fused by removing the joints along with the site of inflammation.

Importance of Lifestyle Balance for Arthritis

A healthy and balanced diet, along with necessary exercise, can help individuals with arthritis to reduce the severity of symptoms and maintain an overall healthy life. Avoidance of smoking and drinking alcohol is important to control the symptoms. Foods like fish, nuts and seeds, green vegetables, and whole grains are essential to maintain joint health and help ease joint inflammation. You should avoid processed foods, added sugar, and refined carbohydrates. Intaking these foods can increase pain and make it worse.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a complex and diverse variety of conditions affecting the joints that have different kinds, causes, symptoms, and approaches to therapy. The complexity of this condition must be understood in order to provide a proper diagnosis and efficient treatment. Our homeopathic expertise will help you improve your condition to achieve a good quality of life.

 

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About Dr. Entekhab Alam, MD (Hom.), Ph.D(s)

Dr. Entekhab Alam is a paralysis treatment specialist and a founder of PMRI Homeo Hall, West Bengal. He graduated from Burdwan University with a B.H.M.S. in 2006. Following that, he earned a Master's degree from B. B. Ambedkar Bihar University in Organon of Medicine.Dr. Alam has dedicated his life to raising public awareness about the benefits of homeopathy for people with disabilities. Through his extensive knowledge and experience, he treats thousands of patients online and offline at PMRI Homeo Hall.

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