Symptoms of Arthritis and Treatment with Therapy and Medication

A patient suffering from arthritis knows that it is a lifelong illness and only solace one can have from it is effective pain management. The inflammation of joints that leads to arthritis can be due to several causes like injuries, heredity, infections or even metabolic abnormalities. Classified as a rheumatic disease, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis in the world that are also influenced by local diet and genetics. Though a large number of arthritis problems occur due to joint inflammation not all are caused by it and you need to get it clearly diagnosed by a family doctor before trying out any treatments for it.

Common symptoms of joint inflammation

1. Redness in joints

2. Swelling and pain in joints

3. Stiffness after sitting and standing for a long time

4. Dysfunctional joints

Sometimes flu symptoms like fever, fatigue and headaches can be accompanied by muscle stiffness and pain that can be treated immediately in walk in clinics close to your home. Inflammation occurs due to release of chemicals into the affected tissues along with increase in blood flow that can lead to redness in the area followed by swelling when chemicals cause leak of fluid into tissues.

Of the several types of arthritis prevalent today the most common ones are

a. Osteoarthritis

b. Rheumatoid Arthritis

c. Psoriatic Arthritis

Diagnosis and treatments

Depending on the region of pain a family clinic will advise a battery of tests to evaluate condition like X-rays, blood tests etc. If left untreated inflammation can slowly affect internal organs like heart, lungs and kidneys leading to damage. The diagnosis and treatment of arthritis depends on seriousness of symptoms, medical history, age and overall health of patient. More than one treatment options will be suggested for this disease which can include medication, exercise and even surgery to reduce pain and correct damage done by arthritis to joints.

Non medicinal remedies for arthritis

According to several people who suffer from arthritis, non-medical treatments like exercise and therapy followed by healthy eating habits can reduce the severity of symptoms. You can co-ordinate with urgent care clinics that have doctors capable of understanding your condition. Symptoms are the most severe in osteoarthritis and affect joints of the body in symmetrical pattern. The best way to prevent arthritis related deterioration is to get treatment as early as possible and regular exercise.

Medication related treatment for arthritis

To decrease joint pain and inflammation related to arthritis a family doctor can advise several types of medication for you. Besides NSAID’s which help in pain management and can be purchased over the counter, doctors will also advice massage therapy as these drugs can be addictive and have side effects. Corticosteroids like prednisone, chemotherapy drugs and even narcotics based pain relievers are advised with varied dosages based on patient’s condition. During the treatment process, the patient has to be in close touch with his or her physician as these medications require constant monitoring.

If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, visit our physicians at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic. Our doctors will be able to help you by suggesting the best medication as well as alternative means for pain reduction.

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