Description
The approach to arthritis involves a systematic evaluation to identify the type and cause of joint inflammation. A comprehensive assessment, including patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, helps differentiate between various arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. Treatment strategies aim to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall function. These may include a combination of pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy. Personalized care plans, often in collaboration with rheumatologists, focus on managing pain, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the patient's quality of life. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan contribute to a holistic and effective approach in addressing arthritis.
Summary Listen
- Rheumatology is the study of joints, combining immunology and joint health. Arthritis, a manifestation of internal disease, encompasses over 200 types, ranging from mild arthralgia to severe, deforming conditions. Diagnosis involves identifying joint pain and swelling, the two main complaints, which indicate joint inflammation and potential stiffness.
- Classifying arthritis involves considering the number of affected joints (mono, oligo, poly) and the duration (acute or chronic). Distinguishing between inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis is crucial, with inflammatory arthritis showing signs of warmth, swelling, and elevated inflammatory markers, while non-inflammatory arthritis often worsens with activity and improves with rest.
- Clinical signs, such as skin lesions, can provide clues to the specific type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative arthritis caused by cartilage loss, leads to bone-on-bone movement and is common with age. Spondylitis, affecting the spine, involves cartilage degeneration and potential nerve compression.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, if untreated, can lead to deformities and disabilities. Gout, characterized by monosodium urate crystal deposits, causes acute inflammatory arthritis with severe pain, especially at night. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are nonarticular diseases often missed, involving complex symptoms and pain out of proportion to signs.
- SLE (lupus) is marked by a butterfly rash and requires timely treatment. Psoriatic arthritis presents with scaly rashes and DIP (distal interphalangeal) arthritis. Dermatomyositis, known for its potential severity, can have devastating consequences if misdiagnosed or improperly treated. Arthrocentesis, fluid removal for testing, is a crucial procedure. Genetic factors play a role in arthritis, with specific HLA genes associated with different types, but inheritance is not straightforward. Infections can trigger reactive arthritis.
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About the Speakers
Dr. Shanmuganandan Krishnan
Professor SBMCH, Consultant Rheumatology, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
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