Effective Arthritis Diagnosis and Treatment Larkin Rheumatology

Diagnosis of Arthritis

A physical exam is conducted where the doctors check swelling in joints and evaluate it for redness and warmth. The doctor will also see if the patient can move your joints.

Laboratory Tests

These tests may assess varied body fluids to pinpoint the type of arthritis. Fluids are assessed by doing blood, urine, and joint fluid tests. A sample of joint fluid is taken after cleansing and numbing the area prior to inserting a needle in the joint space.

Imaging

These tests will detect joint issues that may lead to symptoms.

Examples include the following:

• X-rays: The radiation visualizes bone and displays cartilage loss, bone damage, and bone spurs. These may not reveal early arthritic damage but help track the progression of the ailment.
• Computerized Tomography (CT): CT scanners take X-rays from various angles and combine the info to generate cross-sectional views of structures inside. The technique helps visualize bone and the adjacent soft tissues.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs produce detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues to diagnose the condition.
• Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves image soft tissues, cartilage, and bursae. Doctors also use ultrasound to guide the needle placement for removing joint fluid. It also helps in injecting medications into the joint.

Treatment for Arthritis

Treatment for arthritis is aimed at controlling pain, reducing joint damage, and improving the quality of life. Doctors recommend a range of medications and lifestyle strategies.

Here are some of the most common treatments for arthritis:

Medications

The most common medications include:

• Analgesics: These are prescribed for reducing pain.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs: These help minimize pain and inflammation.
• Counterirritants: Certain creams and ointments comprising menthol or capsaicin can modulate pain signals from the joint and reduce pain.
• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications are used to treat RA. DMARDs are effective in slowing down or stopping the immune system from attacking the joints.
• Biologics: These genetically engineered drugs affect various protein molecules involved in the immune response.
• Corticosteroids: These reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Natural Remedies

Doctors will recommend a healthy, balanced diet with appropriate exercise. Patients are also advised to quit smoking and drinking.

Diet

The foods listed below are rich in many nutrients helpful for joint health and can help relieve joint inflammation:

• Fish
• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans
• Fruits and vegetables
• Olive oil

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Doctors recommend a course of physical therapy to help patients with arthritis reduce limitations on mobility and overcome other challenges. Some exercises are personalized to the condition and individual needs. These may also be combined with pain-relieving treatments such as ice or hot packs and massage.

Occupational Therapy

The treatment comprises practical advice on managing daily tasks, selecting specialized aids and equipment, defending the joints from further damage, and managing tiredness. Individuals with arthritis should practice joint-friendly physical activity independently or with friends. Some of the Joint-friendly physical activities appropriate for adults with arthritis include:

• Swimming
• Walking
• Cycling

Herbal Medicines

In some cases, a doctor may suggest natural remedies for arthritis. Studies have shown that some herbal supplements may relieve pain and inflammation. Some even reduce the need for taking pain medications. These most common herbal medications include:

• Ginger
• Devil’s claw
• Boswellia
• Turmeric
• Chamomile

However, it is crucial to speak to a doctor before using natural remedies for arthritis.

Surgery

A doctor will suggest surgery depending on the type of arthritis the patient has. Sometimes, different surgical treatments may be required on the affected joints. The most common options for surgery options include:

• Joint fusion
• Synovectomy
• Osteotomy
• Total joint replacement (JTR)

Recovery

Living with the Condition

Living with arthritis may not be easy, as pain and discomfort can interrupt everyday activities. Patients cannot carry out simple, everyday tasks due to pain and swelling. However, regular treatment and guidance under a specialist make it possible to lead a healthy life.

• Dietary Changes: It is crucial to follow a healthy balanced diet. This helps the body absorb all essential nutrients and maintain a healthy weight. The diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy foods, milk, starchy foods, meat, eggs, legumes, and healthy fats.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Being overweight can make arthritis worse. The excess weight knee bears can worsen pain and result in mobility problems.
• Exercise: Being active can help reduce and prevent pain. It also boosts movement, joint mobility, minimizes stiffness, strengthens muscles, and boosts energy. However, the choice of exercises should be made under the guidance of a medical expert who knows about your condition.
• Joint Care: Caring for joints can avoid further damage. The initial step is to reduce the stress on joints, especially while carrying out everyday tasks such as lifting and moving. Practice using larger, stronger joints as levers, such as shifting pressure on the shoulder from the hand while opening a heavy door. Avoid gripping tightly. Doctors strictly advise against sitting in the same position for extended periods. Patients should take regular breaks and move around.
• Make Life Easier: It is advised that patients make practical changes to their homes and change how work is done. For instance, patients should focus on keeping things within easy reach, using the handrail to get up and down the stairs, using tools with a long handle to pick things up or to clean, investing in simple electric kitchen equipment, and fitting levers to taps.
• Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can help manage severe arthritis by advising about the equipment needed for living independently.
• Children with Arthritis: The child should eat healthy food and exercise regularly. Most importantly, the child should maintain a healthy body weight to avoid putting strain on their joints. It is advised to inform the school about the child’s condition so that they are provided additional support if needed.

• Symptoms and Causes