Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. Those affected can then suffer from very severe pain and restricted movement. Various causes can trigger arthritis. If you have joint pain, see a doctor to find out the cause.
Here you will find further information and selected doctors for the treatment of arthritis.
Arthritis (ICD code: M13) is an inflammation of the joints. If only one joint is affected by arthritis, it is called monarthritis. If many joints are affected, the technical term is polyarthritis.
The following symptoms can occur with joint inflammation:
In addition, the skin may also become noticeably overheated, especially if
is affected.
Those affected often also suffer from a general feeling of illness and severe malaise. In children, for example, a lack of desire to play could be an alarm signal.
Rheumatism can cause arthritis. This is known as rheumatoid arthritis © narstudio | AdobeStock
Arthritis must be distinguished from osteoarthritis: Despite similar terms, these are completely different diseases, even though both lead to joint pain. Osteoarthritis refers to the wear and tear of cartilage in the joint. The causes, progression and treatment are usually quite different.
Germs can cause bacterial and purulent joint inflammation. They get in, for example
into the joint.
This form of joint inflammation must be treated immediately, as in extreme cases it can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning). This can be life-threatening under certain circumstances.
Watch the video to see how the cartilage and bones of a joint are damaged by inflammation:
Other forms of arthritis are caused by rheumatism or metabolic diseases. In gout, the urea metabolism is disturbed. In the course of this disease, there are repeated episodes in which the joints become very swollen and painful.
Psoriasis can also lead to arthritis. However, diagnosis is very difficult here, as the joints can be affected long before the external signs on the skin appear.
There are also special forms of arthritis. These include Lyme arthritis, which is triggered by Lyme borreliosis. Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome, is also rare. It is caused by a bacterial infection
underlying.
Due to the many causes of joint inflammation, it is important to get to the bottom of them. Only careful treatment of the causes can successfully combat arthritis.
In the case of bacterial arthritis, the doctor needs to know exactly which germs have triggered the inflammation. A puncture is recommended for this. The doctor takes samples from the inflamed tissue. This allows the germs to be identified and the administration of medication to be adjusted accordingly.
If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, X-rays can show the inflammation in the joints. In the best case, blood tests can also provide an indication. However, the values may not provide precise information about the cause.
The inflammation values themselves - such as the leukocytes or the CRP (C-reactive protein) - are quite easy to recognize.
© Alexander Raths / Fotolia
The correct treatment depends on the causes and symptoms of the disease. In the acute stage, elevation and cooling can provide some pain relief. If the pain then becomes too severe, medication can also be administered.
The doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The active ingredients of these include diclofenac or ibuprofen. Sometimes the administration of cortisone is also recommended. If the cause is bacteria, the patient is given antibiotics.
In some cases, the body "fights against itself" and thus promotes the inflammation. In this case, drugs that suppress the body's own immune system are also necessary.
Repeated irrigation of the joint may also be indicated. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, irrigation may need to be carried out several times - possibly every two days arthroscopically.
Physiotherapy may be necessary if the symptoms lead to restricted movement or even joint stiffness.
If the joint and its structures are too badly damaged, an artificial joint may have to be implanted.
Diet plays a major role in the treatment of gout or rheumatoid arthritis. With the right diet, medication may even become superfluous.
If you suffer from gout, you should largely avoid foods with purine. This lowers the level of uric acid. Specialists will help you to put together a so-called"gout diet".
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