Arthritis is not a single disease, but a term encompassing over 100 conditions that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It is a leading cause of disability, significantly impacting quality of life. While commonly affecting joints like the knees, hips, and hands, it can involve any joint in the body. At S N Super Specialty Hospital, our Institute of Orthopedics & Rheumatology is dedicated to providing precise diagnoses and personalized treatment plans to manage arthritis effectively, preserve joint function, and restore mobility.

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis arises from various factors that damage the joints. The specific cause depends on the type of arthritis, but common underlying mechanisms include:

• Cartilage Wear and Tear (Osteoarthritis): The protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone friction.
• Autoimmune Dysfunction (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus): The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (the lining of the joints), causing inflammation and joint damage.
• Crystal Deposition (Gout): A buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid triggers sudden, severe attacks of inflammation.
• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of certain types of arthritis can increase your risk.
• Joint Injury or Stress: Previous fractures, sports injuries, or repetitive stress on a joint can lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can invade a joint and trigger inflammatory arthritis.

Risk factors such as age, obesity, gender (women are more prone to some types), and occupation can also contribute to its development.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Early recognition of arthritis symptoms is crucial for effective management. Common signs include:

• Joint Pain: Persistent pain, which may be constant or intermittent.
• Morning Stiffness: Stiffness in and around the joints, especially upon waking or after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling and Tenderness: Visible swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected joints.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Inability to move the joint through its full range.
• Redness and Warmth: The skin around the joint may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
• Systemic Symptoms: In inflammatory arthritis, you may experience fatigue, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult our orthopedic or rheumatology specialists if you experience:

• Joint pain accompanied by fever.
• Unexplained joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that persists for more than a few days.
• Sudden, severe joint pain that limits your daily activities.
• Difficulty performing routine tasks due to joint discomfort.

Common Types of Arthritis We Treat

Our experts specialize in diagnosing and managing the full spectrum of arthritic conditions:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common “wear-and-tear” arthritis, where joint cartilage gradually breaks down. It is often related to aging, injury, or obesity.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing painful swelling and potential joint deformity.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis: A condition that occurs in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often with characteristic skin and nail changes.
4. Gout: Characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness, often in the joint at the base of the big toe, due to uric acid crystal deposits.
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Primarily affects the spine, causing chronic inflammation that can lead to severe, chronic pain and stiffness.
6. Lupus: A systemic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs.

Advanced Diagnosis at S N Super Specialty Hospital

An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Our diagnostic process includes:

• Comprehensive Physical Examination: Assessing joint tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
• Imaging Tests:
  • X-rays: To detect bone spurs, cartilage loss, and joint space narrowing.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons to identify early changes.
• Blood Tests: To identify specific biomarkers (like Rheumatoid Factor or elevated Uric Acid) that help diagnose inflammatory or metabolic arthritis.
• Joint Fluid Analysis (Arthrocentesis): Analyzing fluid drawn from an affected joint to check for crystals, infection, or signs of inflammation.

Personalized Treatment Pathways

Our treatment philosophy is centered on a multidisciplinary approach to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve your quality of life.

1. Non-Surgical Management

• Medications: From over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for autoimmune forms.
• Physiotherapy: Customized exercise programs to strengthen muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management and activity pacing to reduce stress on joints.
• Interventional Injections:
  • Corticosteroids: To rapidly reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Lubricates the joint for osteoarthritis.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Uses your own growth factors to promote healing.

2. Surgical Treatment

When conservative measures are insufficient, our renowned orthopedic surgeons offer advanced solutions:

• Arthroscopic Surgery: To clean out inflamed tissue or repair torn cartilage.
• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): For severely damaged joints (like hip or knee), we perform total joint replacement using state-of-the-art implants and robotic-assisted technology for optimal outcomes.

Living Well with Arthritis: Diet and Lifestyle

A proactive approach to daily habits can significantly ease arthritis symptoms.

Foods that Help Manage Inflammation:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts, and flaxseeds.
• Antioxidant-Rich Fruits: Berries (cherries, strawberries, blackberries), and grapes.
• Colorful Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and avocados.
• Calcium & Vitamin D: Dairy products and fortified foods for bone health.

Key Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Stay Active: Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and cycling maintain joint function.
• Manage Your Weight: Every pound lost reduces four pounds of pressure on your knees.
• Protect Your Joints: Use ergonomic tools and avoid repetitive stress.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and worsens symptoms.
• Prioritize Sleep: Quality rest is essential for pain management and overall well-being.

Your Partner in Joint Health

While arthritis may not always be preventable, its progression can be effectively managed. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term joint damage and disability. The expert team at S N Super Specialty Hospital is committed to guiding you every step of the way—from accurate diagnosis to advanced treatment and supportive care.

Take the first step towards a life with less pain and more movement. Schedule a consultation with our leading Orthopedists and Rheumatologists at S N Super Specialty Hospital today.