Arthritis Management

What is arthritis?

• Arthritis means inflammation and damage of joint cartilage causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

What causes it?

• Wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis), immune system attack (rheumatoid), or infections.

How is it diagnosed?

• By symptoms, X-rays, blood tests, and examination.

Can it be cured?

• No permanent cure, but symptoms can be controlled.

How is it treated?

• 3Ps - Precautions, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy. Lifestyle changes, medicines, exercises, injections, and surgery if severe.

What foods help?

• Weight control and balanced diet with calcium, omega-3, and Vitamin D.

Should I exercise?

• Yes, light exercises and yoga improve stiffness.

Are painkillers safe long-term?

• No, they should be used under doctor guidance only.

Can injections help?

• Yes, hyaluronic acid, steroid or PRP injections can reduce pain for a few months. It does not treat or repair the cartilage. It reduces inflammation and the pain comes down because of that. However, it's highly debated even in the orthopaedic community.

When is replacement surgery needed?

• It's the last answer to arthritis. If all the conservative treatments has failed and the patient is not happy with the treatment, then joint replacement surgery js advised.