Ureaplasma spp is a type of bacteria under the bacteria family of mycoplasma species. There […]
Aches and pains remain one of the common reasons people visit the clinic. Both patients and doctors sometimes tend to brush the issues away and treat these symptoms with simple pain relievers before issuing medical certificates. But are we doing enough to address any possible underlying issues?
Arthritis is a broad term for inflammation in and around a joint. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis [1]. Generally, arthritis manifests with joint pain as the primary symptom, and you also experience the occasional joint stiffness and swelling.
The point is that sometimes, we overlook or dismiss persistent aches and pains as mere inconveniences. However, it is important to recognise that these symptoms may indicate underlying conditions such as arthritis, which may require more comprehensive evaluation and management.
Symptoms of arthritis include:
These symptoms can vary in how they appear. They may show up intermittently, meaning they come and go. Alternatively, they could be consistently present and remain the same over time. Sometimes, the symptoms may be progressive, meaning they worsen with time.
In Singapore, common musculoskeletal diseases affecting patients include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis.
According to the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2019 study [2], musculoskeletal diseases rank among the top 5 broad causes of medical conditions leading to disability and overall health burden [3]. This means that these conditions significantly impact a person’s ability to function and contribute to the overall burden of healthcare.
When it comes to arthritis risk factors, we can categorise them into two main groups: modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
Modifiable risk factors include:
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
While there are over 100 types of arthritis, we can broadly classify them into the following:
Rheumatoid arthritis | Gout | Osteoarthritis | |
Cause/type of arthritis | Autoimmune disorder – the body’s immune cells attack their own body | Inflammatory – high purine diet and lifestyle | Mechanical – progressive wear and tear of joints |
Joint location | Small joints such as hands/feet are usually symmetrical in nature (though larger joints can be affected) | Single joints such as big toe/feet/ankle/knee | Large weight-bearing joints such as hip and knee |
Pain onset | Progressive, though symptoms can be acute during a flare-up | Acute, which intensifies progressively | Insidious and progressive |
Associated symptoms | - Affected joints can be warm, tender to touch, and swollen-Lethargy-Weight loss-Fever | -Affected joint is likely warm, tender to touch and swollen-Fever | -Cracking of the joints-Worsening pain upon repeated use of the joint/end of the day |
Other systemic symptoms | -Chest pain-Shortness of breath-Reduced exercise tolerance-Red eyes-Rash-Hair loss | -Blood in urine-Painful urination-Lower back pain associated with kidney stones-Possible associated chronic conditions such as hypertension/ hyperlipidaemia/ diabetes | -Spine/back pain due to ageing/degenerative process-Associated raised BMI/obesity |
If you notice symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, you should speak to your primary care doctor. They will evaluate your symptoms based on your medical history and physical examinations of the joints. Your doctor may also recommend blood tests and X-rays to confirm the nature of your condition.
Determining the specific type of arthritis you have is crucial as it guides the choice of the most appropriate treatment plan. Early diagnosis and proper management can help you effectively address arthritis and improve your overall joint health and quality of life.
The primary goal of seeking prompt medical attention when you experience symptoms of arthritis is to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and early treatment without further delay. This approach aims to effectively manage and alleviate your symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing.
The key objectives for arthritis treatment are to:
In cases of autoimmune arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist for specialised care and management.
When arthritis is left untreated, it has the potential to cause permanent and irreversible damage to your joints [15]. This can result in a loss of joint function, ultimately leading to difficulties in carrying out your daily activities and routines.
In certain forms of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, the impact can extend beyond the joints, affecting other vital organs, including the heart, eyes, kidneys and lungs [16]. This highlights the importance of managing joint symptoms and addressing the underlying causes and potential complications associated with arthritis.
There is no cure for arthritis; however, as previously mentioned, the primary goal in treating arthritis is to manage symptoms; this includes:
The specific treatment for arthritis depends on the type and underlying causes of the condition. While a primary care doctor can diagnose arthritis, there may be situations where collaborative care with specialists from various disciplines is necessary.
You may be offered medication based on the type of arthritis to control the symptoms. Additionally, your doctor will guide you on suitable regular physical exercises to keep your affected joints active and ensure your overall functionality is not compromised. In more severe cases, surgical options may be considered to manage the affected joint.
Listening to your body and recognising the symptoms it is signalling is the crucial initial step in addressing a potential arthritis condition. Taking the proactive step of getting checked and evaluated by your general practitioner is essential to addressing a brewing arthritis condition. So, don’t delay further; seek medical attention to start the journey toward diagnosis and appropriate treatment!
Ureaplasma spp is a type of bacteria under the bacteria family of mycoplasma species. There […]
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) remains one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. […]
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic relapsing inflammatory skin condition that […]
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) is a difficult medical condition for both patients and physicians to spot. […]
Health Screening is vital in the early detection of various indolent health conditions.
General health screening is recommended for individuals of all ages, but the frequency and type of screening may vary depending on age, gender, and medical history.