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You might have seen your grandparents struggling to get up from a chair. They are likely suffering from a condition called arthritis. Arthritis is a chronic condition of swelling and inflammation in the body joints. It causes severe pain and stiffness in the joints. This condition is mainly seen in adults, although some types of arthritis are also seen in children. Knee, spine and hip joints are the primary target sites for arthritis.

According to recent studies, more than 180 million Indians are affected by arthritis. Let us know more about the causes and other factors of arthritis.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition in which your joints swell and inflame. It is common in people over the age of 65 and results in difficulty walking, pain, and redness in the joints. It is mainly caused by aging or any injuries to joints.

What are the different types of arthritis?

Arthritis is a common medical term used to describe hundreds of different arthritis conditions. The most common arthritis conditions are:

• Osteoarthritis: This is an arthritis condition in which the cartilage that protects the joints degenerates slowly—aging, injuries, etc., cause it.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune-related arthritis condition. Your body's immune system will produce chemicals that destroy the cartilage and the joint area.
• Septic arthritis: It is an arthritis condition caused by bacterial infection of the joint. The bacteria entering the body will infect the joint area and destroy or degenerate the cartilage.
• Gout: It is arthritis in which the body is filled with uric acid.

What are the causes of arthritis?

The primary causes of arthritis are:

• Genetic: People with a family history of arthritis patients are likely to develop arthritis.
• Overuse or stress on the joints: People who play sports or do heavy lifting also have a chance of developing arthritis.
• Injuries: Arthritis can also be developed if the person has any injuries or trauma that affects the joints.
• Bacterial infection
• Autoimmune diseases
• Aging
• Obesity
• Smoking

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The prominent symptoms of arthritis include:

• Redness
• Swelling or inflammation on the joint
• Stiffness of the joints
• Tenderness
• Severe pain
• Warmth
• Clicking while bending
• Difficulty to walk
• Scraping sensation in the knee
• Weakness surrounding the muscles

What are the diagnostic methods of arthritis?

The doctor will perform a physical examination to diagnose the condition. He or she will look for swelling, tenderness, and redness around the joints. The doctor will also ask about your medical history and symptoms. Arthritis is also diagnosed by various imaging tests like radiography, MRI, etc. Analysis of synovial fluid (fluid in your joints) is also used to diagnose arthritis.

What are the treatment options for arthritis?

Once the arthritis is diagnosed, your doctor will start with your treatment procedures. The doctor might prescribe you non-inflammatory medications and painkillers to reduce the symptoms. Exercises and physical therapies are also beneficial for relief. If the situation is severe, your doctor might suggest you undergo surgery to remove, replace or realign the joints.

Homeopathy is also an option if you are interested. According to studies, homeopathy treatments give a fast and better result when performed along with conventional therapies.