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More than 20 million people of all ages worldwide suffer from various types of arthritis.

Across the world, both the elderly and young people suffer from arthritis in joints such as the wrists, knees, spine, and others.
This inflammation makes it very difficult for a person to engage in physical activity, and the condition worsens with age.

Arthritis:
Arthritis is a joint disorder characterized by swelling, stiffness, or damage to one or more joints. It affects the joint, the tissues surrounding the joint, and other connective tissues. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the most common are:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis results from damage to the cartilage surrounding bones, which reduces friction between bones. This type of arthritis is more common in older women, obese individuals, and those with previous joint injuries.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This disorder results from an autoimmune attack on the body's tissues, affecting the synovial membrane, which produces the fluid that nourishes the joint cartilage, ultimately leading to the destruction of the cartilage and bone within the joints.
• Gout: Gout occurs as a result of uric acid deposits around a joint when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in one or more joints, often the big toe.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

Common symptoms of all types of arthritis are pain and a burning sensation, especially in the morning when getting out of bed or when standing after resting. Other symptoms depend on the type of arthritis, including:

• Muscle pain
• Inability to walk for long periods
• Difficulty moving the joint
• Pain or soreness around the joint
• Swelling and stiffness of the joint
• Redness and warmth of the joint

In a few cases, arthritis leads to a variety of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, weight loss, and loss of flexibility.

Causes of Arthritis:

There is no single cause for all types of arthritis, as the causes vary depending on the type of arthritis. Possible causes of arthritis include:

● Aging

● Injuries

● Unhealthy diet

● Obesity

● Malnutrition

● Immune attacks on the joints, which causes rheumatoid arthritis

● Genetics, which can lead to osteoporosis

● Infectious attacks on the joints

● Abnormal metabolism, which can cause gout

Diagnosis of arthritis:

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, see an orthopedic specialist to determine the type of arthritis and receive appropriate treatment. At Shifa Hospital, all necessary tests are performed to ensure a proper diagnosis through:

• Laboratory Tests: blood and urine tests, and synovial fluid analysis if necessary.
• Imaging: X-rays, MRI, and arthroscopy (where an endoscope is inserted through a small incision to provide a more accurate image of the inside of the joint).

Arthritis Treatment:

In addition to accurate drug therapy based on a correct diagnosis of the type of arthritis, which aims to control pain, reduce joint damage, and improve joint function, there is also a need to improve daily lifestyle habits by:

● Eating a healthy, balanced diet. The following foods provide nutrients beneficial to joint health and can help relieve arthritis, such as fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.

● Limiting the intake of processed foods, as these foods may exacerbate arthritis.

● Physical Therapy: Some cases require physical therapy and exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist.