Chronic polyarthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can cause severe pain. Research for the causes of this condition is ongoing. However, viral infections and genetic predisposition can affect the immune system, thereby attacking the joint structure. Specialists at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center treat arthritis in Dundalk through various interventions.
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Causes of Chronic Arthritis
The onset of chronic arthritis starts gradually, and at times it can be sudden. You will notice swollen joints accompanied by pain. Progression of the disease can affect other body functions such as the skin, eyes, lungs, nervous system, and kidneys.
The pain occurs typically at night and affects the fingers, toes, and wrists. It can also happen on both hands and feet. In the morning, you may feel stiffness in your joints, and mobility becomes a problem.
Also, you may have difficulty doing simple tasks such as washing and dressing. You may be unable to clench your fingers in a fit and feel pain during a customary handshake.
Joint pain can be accompanied by weight loss, exhaustion, excessive sweating, and loss of appetite. Larger joints of the knees, shoulders, and hips are also affected. Similarly, some patients develop the condition close to the wrists. Children can develop eye disorders due to iris inflammation.
Causes of Arthritis
The causes of arthritis vary amongst individuals. However, the lack of treatment can make the inflammation progress and affect your larger joints. Eventually, it may destroy the bones and the cartilage.
Bone damage can affect your mobility, and the inflammation can spread to other body organs such as the heart, skin, eyes, and lungs. The most common complication is osteoporosis which is a bone degeneration condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor applies different techniques such as X-ray, laboratory test, ultra-sound, and MRI depending on the stage of the disease.
The specialist may recommend therapy, medication, workouts, and occupational therapy to manage chronic arthritis. The main goal of the treatment is to reduce pain, stop inflammation, and ensure mobility of your joints.
The medication prescribed includes analgesics to manage pain and other drugs to ease joint stiffness. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that may slow your immune reaction. Although it offers rapid relief, doctors can only prescribe it for a short time.
Physical therapy involves the use of heat, massage, exercises, and electric energy to ensure your joints’ mobility. If the joints are severely affected, your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery.
What you can do to Manage Chronic Arthritis
It is important to do workouts that strengthen your muscles, such as Nordic walking and swimming, besides medical intervention. Also, you can boost your immune system by eating a balanced diet that contains vegetables, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Reduce intake of carbonated drinks, animal fats, dairy products, and sugar. Omega-3 fatty acid helps fight against inflammation and is found in linseed oil, sunflower, corn oil, fish, and more.
Early intervention methods can aid in managing chronic or rheumatoid arthritis. Contact the experts at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center for diagnosis and treatment for chronic arthritis.
