What exactly is arthritis?

The term “arthritis” refers to joint inflammation. Inflammation causes swelling, redness, heat, and pain. Rheumatism is a disease characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, and connective tissue.

Most inflammatory illnesses that affect the spine, muscles, tendons, and bones, as well as the joints, are referred to as arthritis.

More than 140 different forms of arthritis exist. Osteoarthritis, sometimes known as “wear and tear” or “degenerative” arthritis, is the most frequent kind. Osteoarthritis affects over half of all persons over the age of 60, and almost everyone over the age of 80. It is caused by mechanical failure in the structures that impact the joints. The big weight-bearing joints — the knees, hips, and spine – are the most commonly affected. Apart from the big toe, it occurs frequently in the hands but seldom in the feet or ankles. Osteoarthritis rarely affects the wrist, elbow, shoulder, or jaw unless it is caused by accident or stress.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by changes in the immune system of the body. The immune system of the body targets its own organs, in this case the joint tissue, for unknown reasons. The inflammation of the joints, particularly the synovial membrane that lines them, is caused by this auto-immune reaction. This results in an excess of synovial (joint) fluid, which, when paired with inflammation, causes the joints to swell and become painful. If the damage to the cartilage and other soft tissue persists, joint abnormalities may result. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than only the joints; it also causes symptoms that are often described as “flu-like.” Tiredness, lack of energy, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, low fever, possibly some weight loss, and a headache are examples of systemic characteristics.

Traditional Medication:

NSAIDs (Non Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) function by inhibiting the formation of prosagladins, which are hormone-like chemicals that contribute to pain and inflammation. This group includes salicylates, such as asprin. Stomach disturbances, such as inflammation and ulcers, are the most common side effects of these medicines.

Analgesics are similar to NSAIDs in that they do not have an anti-inflammatory

action. They are merely pain relievers. Osteoarthritis and other non-inflammatory yet painful forms of arthritis are the most common conditions for which these medicines are recommended. These pain relievers may include paracetamol, codeine, aspirin, or a mixture of these ingredients.

Corticosteroids have played an essential role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory illnesses for more than 50 years. Prednisone is the most well-known. Corticosteroid drugs, like homone generated by the body, have the capacity to alleviate damaging or even life-threatening inflammation of the joints, blood vessels, and organs. However, they can have negative side effects, especially when used for lengthy periods of time.

Specific COX 2 inhibitors include: When scientists initially looked into the COX enzyme, they discovered two types: COX 1 (the “good” enzyme) and COX 2 (the “bad” enzyme). Scientists believed that developing a medication that would inhibit the body’s synthesis of the COX 2 enzyme without affecting COX 1 production would be the ideal approach for treating painful inflammation. Many of the chemically manufactured prescription medications designed to selectively restrict the COX 2 enzyme, however, continue to have undesirable side effects.