Despite Arthritis being commonly known as a disease that affects the elderly, some conditions do cause Arthritis in children and teenagers, advises Dr. Reddy-Naidu, a family doctor at Peermed Health Centre.
‘Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. There is resultant decreased range of movement and/or associated muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can impair a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.’
The most common types of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout. There is no single cause of any form of arthritis. The causes vary according to the type of arthritis in question. Symptoms include joint pain, joint stiffness, restricted joint movement, warmth and redness of the skin over the joint, weakness and muscle wasting around the joint, says Dr. Reddy-Naidu.
‘The diagnosis is primarily made based on your symptom history, a physical examination by your doctor, blood tests and X-Rays. The blood investigations and X-Ray images help your doctor to distinguish which type of arthritis you may have. High resolution ultrasound and MRI scans are also used and give doctors a more in-depth analysis of the joint.’
‘The treatment options available for all forms of arthritis include oral medication, injectables into the joint, physiotherapy and surgery. Your plan of treatment may also include a weight loss program (where necessary), and joint assistive aids. Treatment duration may range from a short course to lifelong medication.
The treatment plan should ultimately help minimize joint inflammation and damage that may have occurred in the joint, improve movement of joints and improve quality of life.’ Dr Reddy-Naidu advises all who have the symptoms mentioned to seek medical help.