Arthritis Specialists in Karnataka
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness. The most common types are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (…
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What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness. The most common types are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune). It affects people of all ages but is more common in adults.
Moderate
Affects over 350 million people worldwide; leading cause of disability
No
Causes of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis results from cartilage breakdown. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Risk factors include age, gender (women more prone), genetics, obesity, joint injuries, and infections.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, redness, decreased range of motion, fatigue in inflammatory types, joint deformity in advanced stages
Treatment & Types of Arthritis in Karnataka
NSAIDs, DMARDs (for RA), corticosteroids, physical therapy, weight management, joint replacement surgery in severe cases, biologic therapies
The two major types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, a degenerative 'wear-and-tear' condition caused by cartilage breakdown, typically affecting weight-bearing joints with age, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing symmetric inflammation often in the hands and wrists. Other recognized types include gout (caused by uric acid crystal deposits) and psoriatic arthritis (associated with psoriasis).
Rheumatology Specialists in Karnataka (0)
No specialists listed yet in Karnataka — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis results from mechanical wear on cartilage over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, often causing more widespread inflammation and morning stiffness.
Can arthritis be cured?
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both chronic conditions without a cure, but medications, physical therapy, and weight management can control symptoms effectively and slow progression.
Does cracking my knuckles cause arthritis?
No, this common belief isn't supported by evidence — knuckle cracking doesn't cause arthritis, though it's a good idea to avoid actual joint injuries.
Will I eventually need joint replacement surgery?
Only a minority of people with severe, advanced joint damage that isn't controlled by medication and therapy need joint replacement.
Can diet and exercise really make a difference?
Yes, maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints, and an anti-inflammatory diet along with regular low-impact exercise can meaningfully reduce symptoms.