Welcome to our comprehensive guide on arthritis – a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
This diverse group of joint conditions is marked by pain, inflammation, and stiffness. In our previous post we discussed the various foods and drinks to avoid if you have arthritis.
Whether you’re in Nigeria seeking clarity on the causes, exploring treatment options, or trying to identify symptoms of arthritis, this blog post will offer just the information you seek.
Read on to get easy-to-understand insights that empower you to navigate this common yet often misunderstood illness.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, resulting in a range of symptoms that impact joint function. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints.
Essentially, the condition disrupts the normal functioning of joints, impacting the smooth movement of bones and causing discomfort.
It is a broad term including various types, each with its unique characteristics.
But at its core, it involves the inflammation and deterioration of joint tissues, affecting mobility and overall joint health.
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Description of Osteoarthritis: The most prevalent type, OA occurs when the protective cartilage between bones wears down over time. This deterioration results in pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility.
Unlike some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis typically develops gradually over time, often affecting weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine.
Age, joint overuse, genetics, and obesity contribute to its development.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of joint membranes.
In this case, the immune system attacks its tissues. This damage caused by inflammation does not only affect the hands and feet but internal organs also.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joint and eventual erosion of the bone including joint deformity. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often affects joints on both sides of the body at the same time.
The chronic nature of rheumatoid arthritis can result in long-term joint damage and systemic complications, impacting overall health beyond the joints.
This condition is more common in women due to genetic disposition. A diet high in purines, and certain medical conditions can cause arthritis.
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Other types of arthritis include
- gout
- psoriatic arthritis
- lupus arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Causes and Risk Factors of Arthritis in Nigeria
Genetics
One significant cause of arthritis is genetics. People with a family history of arthritis are more prone to developing the condition.
This is because certain genetic markers make some people more susceptible to arthritis, as they can influence the body’s immune response and joint health.
Age
Arthritis also becomes more likely to occur with ageing. This is because, over time, joint tissues wear down, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Even worse, the continuous stress on the joints, especially in physically demanding occupations, can hasten wear and tear. This increases the likelihood of having arthritis.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. This gives rise to inflammation and damage.
Understanding and managing autoimmune conditions is crucial in preventing arthritis associated with immune system dysfunction.
Infections and Microorganisms
Some infections, like Lyme disease or hepatitis, can trigger arthritis. The body’s response to these infections may lead to joint inflammation. Also, bacterial or viral agents can directly invade joint tissues. Thus, causing arthritis as a secondary effect of the infection.
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Joint Injuries
If you have physical trauma or injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, you can become susceptible to the condition. Injured joints are more vulnerable to inflammation and may undergo structural changes. All these contribute to the onset of arthritis.
Obesity
Excess body weight places more stress on joints, particularly in the knees and hips. This added stress can quicken the degeneration of joint tissues.
Try and maintain a healthy weight as obesity is a significant risk factor for arthritis.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, or occupational hazards, may contribute to the development of arthritis.
Avoid or minimize your exposure to these environmental triggers to be safe from arthritis.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can influence the risk of developing arthritis. This factor puts more women at risk. For instance, the hormonal changes associated with menopause can impact joint health and contribute to the onset of arthritis.
Treatment Options for Arthritis in Nigeria
The treatment options for arthritis in Nigeria aim to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.
Note that the choice of treatment depends on the type of arthritis. Other factors are the severity and individual factors.
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen and naproxen.
Additionally, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are prescribed for autoimmune types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis to slow disease progression.
Also, corticosteroids can be used for short-term relief of severe symptoms by reducing inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Joint protection techniques and assistive devices are also used to reduce stress on affected joints. Physical therapists design exercises to improve joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall function.
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Lifestyle Modifications
Especially for osteoarthritis, weight management is crucial. This change can alleviate pressure on joints. Also, exercise, including low-impact activities like swimming or cycling, can improve joint function and reduce stiffness.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists assist in adapting daily activities to reduce strain on joints and improve overall functionality.
They may recommend assistive devices or modifications to make daily tasks more manageable.
Injections
Part of the treatment plan can include corticosteroid injections. This is injected directly into the affected joints to provide targeted relief from inflammation and pain.
An example is hyaluronic acid injections which can improve joint lubrication. It can also reduce friction in some cases.
Surgery
Another treatment option is joint replacement surgery in severe cases, particularly in osteoarthritis. This is commonly used in many cases of osteoarthritis to fix joints, the knee and hip.
Arthroscopy may be performed to repair damaged cartilage or remove debris within the joint.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture and massage therapy may provide temporary relief from arthritis symptoms.
Some studies show that supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. But scientific evidence is mixed.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Applying heat or cold to affected joints can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Therapies like warm baths, heating pads, or cold packs are commonly used to relieve symptoms.
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Conclusion
Arthritis, though complex, can be managed effectively through early diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria. Even with arthritis, you can work with healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of your life.
Also, if you suspect arthritis or are experiencing joint-related symptoms, seek prompt medical advice for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
