Inflammatory Arthritis – Types, Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments

Inflammatory arthritis is not a single disease but a group of medical conditions that affect the joints and cause inflammation.

If you experience joint inflammation, you might be dealing with inflammatory arthritis. To learn more about your condition, you need to know the different types of inflammatory arthritis, their symptoms, and possible treatment options.

So, in the following article, we will explore these and more.

What is inflammatory arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for diseases that affect the joints and cause pain, swelling, and often inflammation. Many forms of arthritis are inflammatory diseases, but not all of them.

A common example of non-inflammatory arthritis could be osteoarthritis.

The question arises, why is it even necessary to differentiate between non-inflammatory and inflammatory arthritides? The reason for that is the difference in treatment methods.

Those with inflammatory arthritis will not only need to manage the pain symptoms but also treat the underlying inflammation and potentially the cause of that inflammation too.

Types of inflammatory arthritis

When we say inflammatory arthritis, we can refer to many different diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

An inflammatory autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to attack healthy cells. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Reactive arthritis (ReA)

Reactive arthritis, as the name suggests, usually develops as a reaction to an infection or food poisoning. It causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the spine area leading to back pain and joint stiffness.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes the skin to form scaly patches. The disease might attack the joints, making them stiff and painful, called psoriatic arthritis.

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis can develop as a result of an underlying infection. It's often called infectious arthritis for this reason. With septic arthritis, early diagnosis is crucial to avoid permanent damage.

Gout

Gout is a disease where uric acid buildup creates sharp little crystals in the joints, causing pain flare-ups and inflammation.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

SLE is the most common form of lupus, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the tissues in the body, including the joints.

Inflammatory arthritis symptoms

As we have seen, inflammatory arthritis has many different forms, and their symptoms could differ. What they all have in common is the inflammation of the joints, which leads to some typical symptoms across the different types.

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Tenderness
• Stiffness, especially in the morning

Keep in mind that the above symptoms might also indicate non-inflammatory arthritis and other joint diseases as well.

Many forms of inflammatory arthritis are results of an underlying autoimmune disease, and those might affect other parts of the body, not just the joints. So people might experience other symptoms in addition to the ones listed above. These might include fatigue, pain, fever, weight loss, etc.

Diagnosing inflammatory arthritis

As inflammatory arthritis encompasses more than one disease, the methods of diagnosis can differ for each.

Doctors usually examine the symptoms, take blood and joint fluid samples, and order imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs.

With many forms of arthritis, early diagnosis is crucial, as it may increase your chances of avoiding permanent damage and more severe consequences. So, if you experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms, it's advised that you book an appointment with your doctor.

Inflammatory arthritis treatment

As the root cause behind these inflammatory joint diseases can differ, so does the treatment for them. A few of them can be cured, others can go into remission, and with some, your best course of action is simply reducing the symptoms.

Relieving pain and reducing inflammation are common treatment goals with almost all forms of inflammatory arthritis.

These can be achieved with different medications, depending on the severity of the symptoms and other factors. Analgesic painkillers reduce the pain but not the inflammation, so doctors usually recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) instead. While NSAIDs can reduce the symptoms of pain and inflammation, they can't stop the progression of the disease.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used to treat inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. These drugs are immunosuppressants or immunomodulators, meaning that they usually reduce the activity of the immune system, which in turn slows down or stops autoimmune diseases. Their downside is that your body will be more vulnerable to other attacks because of the weaker immune system.

Another option for treating inflammatory arthritis is corticosteroids. These can be injected directly into the joints, reducing inflammation and suppressing the autoimmune reaction. Their effects can last for as long as a couple of months.

Other ways to reduce inflammation

While they don't substitute proper medical treatment, some lifestyle changes and alternative methods might help reduce the inflammation in your body.

A healthy diet

Following an anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis can reduce symptoms and lead to an overall healthier lifestyle.

Grapes, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, nuts, tea, and salmon are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods. Some spices like turmeric, rosemary, cumin, ginger, and cinnamon may also help with inflammation.

Some other foods are best to avoid. Red and processed meats, fried food, soda, and refined carbohydrates are all known for their inflammatory effects. Heavy alcohol consumption can also lead to increased inflammation, so it's best to lower your intake of alcoholic drinks.

Regular exercise

Leading an active lifestyle has many benefits, including a protective effect against chronic inflammation.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, regular exercise may also help you lose weight, reducing the load on the joints, which is beneficial for any form of arthritis.

However, arthritis patients should avoid further stress on the joints, so be mindful when choosing exercise options. Low-impact sports like tai-chi or swimming are preferable over high-impact movements like running.

Stress management

When we experience stress, our body releases different chemicals and hormones. These trigger a stress response, which is useful in the short term but it also suppresses many important bodily functions at the same time. When stress becomes chronic, this can negatively affect our bodies in many different ways, including increased inflammation.

Therefore, managing everyday stress levels can help ease the symptoms of inflammatory diseases and provide many other benefits.

While we can't eliminate stressors from our lives completely, meditation and breathing exercises can reduce their effects.

Cold therapy

Temperature therapy is a commonly recommended alternative method for joint pain relief. It's effective, easy to use, and doesn't interfere with medications.

But when dealing with inflammatory arthritis, it's best to avoid heat therapy because it stimulates inflammation.

Cold therapy, on the other hand, can not only offer pain relief but also reduces inflammation and swelling.

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by Himanshu Reddy

Traditional vs. Alternative Arthritis Treatments: Which One Works Best?

Arthritis can be a devastating disease that takes its toll on our everyday well-being. It turns even simple activities, like walking and picking things up, into painful tasks. Finding remedies for arthritis is crucial to regain your pain-free life.

To help you find the best remedy for your symptoms, we will look at different treatment options, weighing the pros and cons of each.

If you are ready to finally say goodbye to your arthritis pains, keep reading!

The goal of arthritis treatments

Before we dive into the list of remedies, we need to talk a bit about the goal of arthritis treatments.

Arthritis has many forms. Each of them affects the joints in negative ways, but the set of symptoms and the progression of the disease can vary. What’s important to keep in mind is that most forms of arthritis can cause permanent damage to the joints. Once the damage is done, it usually can’t be undone completely.

Furthermore, most types of arthritis are incurable conditions and will get worse over time.

So, generally, the aim of treatment is to slow down the progression of the disease and lessen the impact of the symptoms on our everyday lives.

Traditional treatment options for arthritis

First, we will discuss traditional remedies, often prescribed by doctors.

Over-the-counter or prescription painkillers

Pain relief is among the top priorities when treating arthritis.

For this purpose, doctors often recommend traditional painkillers, either OTC or prescription ones, depending on how severe the pain is. These usually reduce the pain symptoms, but some of them don’t treat the inflammation.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen and Naproxen are frequently used NSAID medications. They reduce both inflammation and pain.

While these medications are reliable sources of pain relief, they often come with undesirable side effects, such as stomach irritations or an increased risk of heart problems.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are often used in treating arthritis, either in the form of pills or directly injected into the joints. They help reduce inflammation and work as an immunosuppressant. The latter is important, because some types of arthritis are autoimmune diseases, meaning that the immune system attacks the joints, causing damage.

Corticosteroid treatments are usually more effective than NSAIDs, and the effects of one injection can last for several months. However, they also weaken the immune system, and repeated use can increase cartilage loss. So, they don’t come without side effects either.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs are often used by patients with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. They can slow down the progression of the disease by suppressing the immune reaction of the body. While this can help treat the symptoms of arthritis, it also comes with a weakened immune system.

Targeted DMARDs are a fairly new type of medication. As their name suggests, instead of affecting the whole immune system, they only target certain molecules, lessening the side effects while keeping the benefits.

Topical solutions

Creams, gels, patches, and other topical solutions can be used instead of - or in conjunction with - oral medicines.

The active ingredients in these solutions can vary. Some contain natural numbing or cooling agents, others are targeted NSAID medications.

Surgery for arthritis

Surgery is a more drastic measure, but in some severe cases, it might be the only effective treatment.

During joint repair surgery, the surfaces of the bones are smoothened and realigned. This removes the painful bone spurs at the ends of bones, and helps alleviate the pain. In some cases, the joint can’t be saved anymore, and replacement surgery might be necessary. During this process, they replace the whole joint with an artificial one.

Natural, alternative, and home remedies for arthritis

Alongside the traditional medications, there are also some alternative remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

When looking at alternative treatments, it’s important to do the proper research for each option. Some of the solutions you might come across are science-backed and recommended by doctors, while others, not so much.

Herbal remedies for arthritis

Some herbal and natural solutions can ease the pain of the joints and allow a better range of movement. These are usually topical remedies, like creams applied directly to the affected joints.

Common ingredients in these products are menthol and capsaicin. Menthol has a cooling effect that soothes the nerves, reduces inflammation, and alleviates the pain. Capsaicin - extracted from chili peppers - has the exact opposite effect causing an initial burning sensation in the area, which numbs the pain by blocking a pain signal chemical in the body.

Hot and cold therapy

Temperature therapy is a natural and science-backed way to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Heat therapy can relax the stiff joints and improve circulation in the surrounding area. It can be as simple as a hot bath or a heating pad. But some prefer using warm paraffin wax on the painful joints.

Cold therapy can numb the pain receptors in the area, soothing pain and reducing inflammation. A bag of ice, a cold pack, or a bathtub filled with iced water are all simple ways that can help with the acute pains of arthritis.

Massage

Massage therapy has an important medical role in many joint or muscle-related diseases, including arthritis. A good massage can improve blood flow, reduce swelling and stiffness, and temporarily improve the mobility of the joints.

It’s important to note that one should be careful with massages, applying only moderate pressure and never done during a pain flare-up.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

TENS is a treatment that works by sending an electric current through the nerves, overriding pain signals. While some find it an effective way to relieve acute pains, the scientific evidence is not uniform on the uses of TENS. So, currently, the general recommendation is to avoid TENS treatment until more research is done on the topic.

Glucosamine supplements

Another commonly suggested treatment option for arthritis is glucosamine. Glucosamine is a crystalline compound that naturally occurs in connective tissues.

The problem with glucosamine treatment is that some anecdotal evidence supports its use, while other research suggests that it has an adverse effect in treating arthritis. For this reason, doctors and practitioners often advise against it, at least until we have more data.

Lifestyle changes as remedies for arthritis

While joint damage can’t be reversed, some lifestyle factors can have a strong effect on the progression of arthritis. Making some recommended lifestyle changes can slow down the disease and reduce the symptoms at the same time.

Losing weight

Obesity can be a significant risk factor for many forms of arthritis. The reason behind this is the increased load on the already damaged joints that might lead to faster deterioration.

While losing weight is not always easy, especially when your range of motion is already limited because of arthritis, there are still some options.

Following a stricter diet, eating more healthy foods, and getting a little more active can all go a long way toward naturally slowing down the progression of arthritis.

Exercise for arthritis

Regular exercise can help in multiple different ways. As mentioned above, losing some weight can ease the burden on the affected joints. Low-impact movement can also reduce stiffness and increase the range of motion. Another benefit is that the stronger the surrounding muscles are, the better they can support the joint.

When we say exercise, we don’t mean crazy things like running marathons or climbing rocks. There are certain low-impact exercises perfectly suited for arthritis patients.

Swimming or other underwater activities are great because they allow free movement without unnecessary joint stress. Tai chi and some forms of yoga are also highly recommended forms of exercise, both of which can be done at home with minimal or no equipment.

Diet for arthritis

Following a healthy and balanced diet can be beneficial not only for arthritis symptoms but for your general health too.

As we already mentioned above, keeping a healthy weight can reduce the stress on your joints and slow down the progression of certain forms of arthritis. A balanced diet - rich in unprocessed foods, fruits, and vegetables and a limited intake of unhealthy fats - can help you achieve this.

Furthermore, certain foods might have a connection with arthritis symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can help reduce inflammation associated with certain forms of arthritis. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of arthritis. Red meats are known for their inflammatory effects, so it’s recommended to lower your intake of them if you are suffering from inflammatory arthritis.

You can find a lot of claims online about certain foods that could help with arthritis, but the truth is, only very few of these are fully backed by scientific research. However, aiming for a healthy and balanced diet will help your body in many different ways, while having no real downside. So regardless of its effects (or the lack of them) on your arthritis symptoms, following general guidelines about healthy eating would be beneficial when planning your diet.

A unique treatment option for arthritis pain

As you can see, when choosing arthritis treatment options, you might have to make some compromises. Especially when it comes to pain management, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Traditional pain medications can come with a lot of side effects. Natural remedies usually have lesser side effects, but they might not be as reliable.

Here at Super Patch, we have a vision that one should not make compromises when it comes to health. This is what inspired our Freedom patches.

These pain patches use innovative vibrotactile technology, stopping the pain right at the nerves without negative side effects or medications involved. They can offer pain relief on their own, or you can even use them in conjunction with other arthritis remedies, as they don’t interfere with traditional medicine.

If you are looking for a unique way to remedy your arthritis symptom - without making compromises - then come and take a look at our Freedom Pain Patches!

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by Himanshu Reddy

Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Arthritis is a condition that can turn simple everyday tasks into painful experiences. The symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints of the body. Learning about arthritis can help you better understand your condition and take an active role in managing it.

In this article, we will explore what arthritis is, the various types of the disease, their symptoms, and their causes. We will also look at the treatment options available to manage your pain and improve joint function.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not one disease, but rather an umbrella term for many conditions that cause inflammation, pain, or swelling in the joints.

These conditions can have a detrimental effect on your everyday life. They limit your movement, cause pain and make it difficult to perform even simple routine tasks, such as walking, climbing stairs, or even holding a pen.

Types of arthritis

Arthritis can come in many different forms. There are more than a hundred diseases and conditions that fit under the term. Each of them has its unique set of symptoms, different levels of severity, and varying treatment options. Let’s take a quick look at the most common ones.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of bones wears down over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis - commonly referred to as RA - is an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain, swelling, and deformity.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that results from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe joint pains.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes excessive skin cell build-up. It can affect the joints too, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is a painful infection of the joints, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an infection.

Identifying and understanding the type of arthritis that you could be suffering from will help you find the appropriate treatment options and successfully manage your symptoms.

Arthritis symptoms

While arthritis has many types, the symptoms can be very similar in a lot of cases. They affect the joints in every scenario, but which joints and to what degree can differ from type to type.

If you have arthritis you might experience some of the following symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness and warmth around the joints
• Decreased range of motion
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Joint deformity
• Difficulty performing tasks that involve joint movement

While your exact symptoms may vary depending on what kind of arthritis you’re dealing with, what they all have in common is that they can significantly impact your quality of life and your ability to perform daily activities.

Diagnosing arthritis

Diagnosing arthritis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

During a physical exam, a doctor will check for joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and range of motion.

Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, or blood tests, may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For certain types of arthritis, a joint aspiration test might be needed, where fluid is drawn from the affected joint for analysis.

With some types of arthritis, an early diagnosis can reduce the risk of permanent damage, and make treatment easier.

Arthritis causes

Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, joint injuries, infections, and underlying medical conditions. In some cases, repeated stress or overuse of a joint can lead to the development of arthritis.

Some types of the disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are autoimmune disorders in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, including the joints.

Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is often caused by wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joints.

Genetics and age can also be a factor at play, as some types of arthritis mostly affect the older population, and others are more common in families that have a history of arthritis.

Septic and reactive arthritis can be traced back to underlying infections.

While a lot of times arthritis develops on its own, lifestyle factors can also contribute to the occurrence or worsening of certain types of the disease. Obesity, for example, puts extra stress on the joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can also worsen the symptoms of arthritis.

Treating arthritis

Treatment options for arthritis can depend on multiple factors, including the type and severity of the condition.

Some types of arthritis, like the autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are incurable. In these cases, the treatment aims to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. For others, like septic arthritis treating the root cause can entirely cure the disease.

Let’s take a quick look at possible remedies for arthritis.

Medications

The main goal of arthritis medication is to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. This can be achieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or other alternative methods.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) aim to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

In some cases, where the disease is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Physical therapy

Improving joint flexibility, strength and range of motion can help with certain types of arthritis. Physical therapy is a great option to achieve this.

Additionally, you can reduce the strain on your joints by performing everyday tasks in different ways and maintaining a healthy weight. In some cases, splints or braces might be needed to help support the weakened joint, let it rest, and protect it from further damage.

Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Joint repair surgery aims to smooth and realign the joint surfaces to improve function. Joint replacement is a more drastic approach, where they replace the damaged joint entirely with an artificial one.

Pain relief for arthritis

As most forms of arthritis are incurable, the main focus of treatment should be on managing the symptoms. Reducing the pain can help you regain your normal quality of life, and make everyday movements easier.

While regular pain medications can do a good job at this, they often come with a plethora of side effects. Alternative pain relief options on the other hand, don’t usually cause severe side effects, but their effectiveness can vary greatly.

If you are suffering from arthritis-related pain, SuperPatch has your joints covered. Our pain patches are non-invasive, medication-free products, that can relieve the pain with innovative vibrotactile technology.

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by Himanshu Reddy