Arthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis Management | Kavya Hospitals, Guntur
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis (OA) is wear-and-tear degeneration of cartilage, common in knees, hips, and hands. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition affecting multiple joints.
Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness (especially morning stiffness in RA)
- Swelling and warmth around joints
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain worsened by activity (OA) or prolonged inactivity (both)
- Joint deformity in advanced cases
When to See a Doctor
See an orthopedic specialist if joint pain limits daily activities, persists despite over-the-counter medication, or is accompanied by swelling and stiffness. Early evaluation helps slow progression and plan treatment.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle: Weight loss, exercise, activity modification
- Medication: NSAIDs, analgesics, disease-modifying drugs (RA)
- Injections: Steroids, hyaluronic acid (OA)
- Physiotherapy: Strengthening, range of motion
- Surgery: Joint replacement when conservative care fails
When Joint Replacement is Needed
When pain significantly limits walking, standing, or sleep and medications, injections, and physiotherapy no longer provide adequate relief. Knee or hip replacement can eliminate pain and restore function in severe osteoarthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of joints causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear; rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune.
When is joint replacement needed?
When conservative treatments fail and pain significantly limits daily activities. Usually for severe osteoarthritis.
Can arthritis be cured?
Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed but can be managed. Rheumatoid arthritis can go into remission. Joint replacement can eliminate pain when damage is severe.