Arthritis – symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment in the best clinics

What is arthritis in simple words and how does it manifest itself?

Arthritis is a disease that includes a group of immune diseases affecting joints and cartilage. It can occur in people of any age and gender, but most often occurs in adults over 65 years of age. There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints is thinning, which leads to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the body`s immune system attacks the joints, also causing inflammation, pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of arthritis may vary depending on the type of arthritis and severity of the condition, but common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. In some cases, arthritis can also cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Arthritis can be a chronic disease that requires constant monitoring and treatment, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet.

Types of arthritis, what is the danger of arthritis?

There are many different types of arthritis, and each type can have different symptoms, causes, and severity.
The most common types of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects cartilage.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune lesion of the joints.
• Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by red scaly patches on the skin. Such arthritis is also a joint lesion.
• Gout. This is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which leads to severe pain and inflammation.
• Lupus arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including joints. This type of arthritis can lead to severe complications.

It is incorrect to describe any type of arthritis as «dangerous» because arthritis itself is not life-threatening. However, some types of arthritis can lead to significant joint damage and disability if left untreated, which can affect a person`s quality of life.

Causes of arthritis

Arthritis is a complex disease, and its causes of arthritis in most cases are completely unknown. In general, the causes of arthritis are complex and diverse, and in most cases the development of the disease is facilitated by a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors and lifestyle. In some cases, it is possible to name the exact cause of arthritis, for example, some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be hereditary, and people with a family history of this condition also often get arthritis. However, most often, in the case of arthritis, it is not about the immediate
causes, but about provoking factors such as:

• Age: The risk of developing arthritis increases with age. Joint wear over time can contribute to osteoarthritis.
• Injuries. Joint injuries, such as those sustained during sports or as a result of accidents, can lead to arthritis later in life.
• Infections. Some infections, such as Lyme disease, can cause arthritis.
• Obesity. Being overweight puts additional strain on the joints and can increase the risk of developing arthritis, especially knee and hip joints.
• Autoimmune diseases. Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are caused by the body`s immune system attacking the joints.
• Environmental factors. Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as environmental pollution, can increase the risk of developing arthritis.
  

  What is the difference between arthritis and arthrosis?

Arthrosis, like arthritis, affects the joints, and their manifestations at the initial stage are similar. However, these diseases have a different nature. Arthrosis refers to degenerative diseases, that is, it occurs and progresses as the body ages, and the cells of the joints and cartilage are insufficiently updated. Unlike arthritis, arthrosis does not have an inflammatory and autoimmune component, and also does not spread to other organs except joints.

Diagnosis of arthritis

The diagnosis of arthritis is usually made comprehensively based on the medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests and image studies. One or more of the following methods are used to diagnose
arthritis:

• Collection of anamnesis. The attending physician will ask about the symptoms, when they started and how they progressed over time. This allows him to more accurately assess the stage of the disease and the dynamics of its progression.
• Physical examination. The attending physician will examine your joints for signs of inflammation, swelling and stiffness, as well as assess the range of your movements.
• Blood tests. Blood tests can help identify markers of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid factor, antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
• Imaging examinations. Imaging examinations such as ultrasound, X- rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can help visualize joints and detect any damage or abnormalities.
• Aspiration of joint fluid. In some cases, the doctor may take a small amount of fluid from the swollen joint for analysis to determine the cause of inflammation.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or slow the progression of joint damage and improve quality of life.

What blood count does arthritis show?

There is no specific blood test showing arthritis. Confirmation of the diagnosis of arthritis occurs with the help of a comprehensive assessment of the indicators of several analyzes:

• Rheumatoid factor (RF): Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that can be found in the blood of some people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, not all people with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for RF, and some people without rheumatoid arthritis may test positive for RF.
• Antibodies to Cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP): Antibodies to CCP are another type of antibodies that can be found in the blood of people with rheumatoid arthritis. CCP antibodies are more specific to rheumatoid arthritis than RF, and are often used in combination with other tests to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): CRP and ESR are markers of inflammation that can be elevated in the blood of people with various types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout.
• General blood Test (UAC): It is not a criterion for diagnosis, but it can help to identify anemia, which is a frequent complication of some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• HLA-B27: HLA-B27 is a genetic marker that can be found in the blood of some people with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and pelvic joints.

In general, blood tests are just one of the tools that doctors use to diagnose and monitor arthritis, and the diagnosis of arthritis is usually based on a combination of factors, including medical history, physical examination and imaging studies.

Treatment of arthritis

Treatment of arthritis depends on the type and severity of arthritis, as well as on the general state of a person`s health and personal preferences. Here are some of the common treatments for arthritis:

Medications. For the treatment of arthritis, nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, anti-rheumatic disease
modifying drugs (BMARPS), and biological agents are commonly
used. These medications can help reduce pain, inflammation, and
joint damage.

• Physical therapy and exercise. Physical therapy and exercise can help improve flexibility, strength and joint function, as well as reduce pain and stiffness. A physiotherapist can develop an individual exercise program that is safe and effective for people with arthritis.
• Auxiliary devices. Assistive devices such as canes, staples, and splints can help reduce stress on joints and improve their function in people with arthritis.
• Weight Control — Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce joint strain and improve overall health in people with arthritis.
• Surgical treatment. Joint replacement surgery may be recommended in severe cases of arthritis when other treatments are no longer effective. Lifestyle modifications: a healthy diet, quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as stress management can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of complications in people with arthritis.

In general, the treatment of arthritis is a long process that requires a team approach with the participation of doctors, physiotherapists and other medical professionals. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint function and mobility, and prevent or slow down joint damage and disability. At the moment, medicine does
not yet have traditional methods of treatment that can lead to a full recovery.

Modern methods of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Since traditional methods of treating arthritis are exclusively ways to control symptoms and complications, at the moment, work is actively underway to find new methods of treatment that can eliminate the cause. Such methods include stem cell treatment. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become any cells of the human body.
Their therapeutic effect is that stem cells turn into healthy young cells of a damaged organ or tissue, performing one or another function in a normal way. Depending on the extent of the lesion and the age of the patient, he may need different types of stem cells. There are the following types of them:

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): MSCs are a type of stem cells that can be found in bone marrow, adipose tissue and other sources. These cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, including those that can repair damaged tissues. Some studies have shown that MSCs can reduce inflammation and promote the
  restoration of joint tissues affected by arthritis.
• Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves the administration of concentrated platelets containing growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. Although PRP is not strictly considered a stem cell therapy, it can have similar effects with respect to tissue repair.
• Other types of stem cells. There are also other types of stem cells that can be used to treat arthritis, such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. This type of stem cells in arthritis is required much less often — for example, in cases where there is a question of joint replacement to delay surgery for several years.

Stem cells also rarely make it possible to completely rid the patient of the manifestations of arthritis, however, they allow the patient to improve his condition without toxic drugs and influencing the cause,
not the symptoms.

Nutrition for arthritis and what not to eat?

A healthy diet can be an important part of treating arthritis and reducing inflammation. Here are some dietary recommendations that may be useful for people with arthritis:

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It is best to eat fruits and vegetables of different colors and types every day.
• Choose low-fat protein sources such as fish, chicken, beans and tofu, which help build and repair tissues and improve overall health. Include healthy fats in the diet: omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts can help reduce inflammation in the body. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds can also be beneficial.
• Limit the consumption of processed and fried foods, especially for patients with gout. Processed and fried foods can contain a lot of unhealthy fats, sugar and salt, which can contribute to inflammation and other health problems.
• Limit the consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates. Sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to inflammation. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, pastries and other sweet or highly processed foods.
• It is even more important to stop drinking alcohol, as alcohol can contribute to inflammation and may interact with some medications used to treat arthritis. If it is not possible to give up alcohol completely, then you should reduce your consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

It is also important to avoid dehydration by drinking a lot of water during the day. Although there is no universal diet for the treatment of arthritis, following a healthy balanced diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice. MedTour offers Dr. Kirilenko Alexandra Evgenievna as such a specialist. She has experience in making dietary recommendations for patients with chronic diseases, including gout and rheumatoid arthritis, taking into account the number of allowed harmful products and compliance with the required number of calories.

How long do people with rheumatoid arthritis live on average?

The life expectancy of people with arthritis does not differ from the average life expectancy in the population, except for the life expectancy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The life expectancy of these patients has increased over the past few decades due to advances in treatment and overall improvements in healthcare. However, RA is still a chronic and potentially disabling disease that can affect life expectancy, especially if it is not properly controlled or if it leads to complications such as cardiovascular disease.
According to a study published in 2018 in the journal Rheumatology, the life expectancy of people with RA has improved significantly over the past few decades. The study showed that in the past, people with RA had a lower life expectancy than the general population.

However, in recent years, this gap has narrowed, and now people with RA live longer.
The study showed that the life expectancy of people with RA who were diagnosed between 1999 and 2011 was the same as that of the general population. However, people with RA who had other diseases or who were older at the time of diagnosis had a shorter life expectancy.
In general, the life expectancy of people with RA depends on many factors, including the severity of the disease, how well it is controlled by treatment, as well as the presence of other diseases.

Our best specialist doctors

The MedTour team works closely with the most modern medical centers that provide assistance in the treatment of arthritis with both traditional and innovative methods. Dr. Kovalchuk (Ukraine) and Dr. Badyin (Serbia) have achieved great success in the treatment of various diseases with stem cells, including arthritis.

F.A.Q.

1. When should I start treating arthritis with stem cells?

Treatment of arthritis with stem cells in the early stages can lead to the complete disappearance of symptoms, in the later stages — to a significant reduction in severe adverse reactions and postponement of joint replacement surgery.

2. How many courses are required for the treatment of arthritis with stem cells?

In the case of arthritis treatment, treatment is likely to be lifelong or regular until remission is achieved, after which it will be discontinued for the period of remission. The question is about the number of injections per year. As a rule, 2-3 injections are carried out 1 time in 6 months, however, this issue is individual and is solved together with the attending physician.

3. How much does it cost to treat arthritis with stem cells?

It depends on the degree of damage to the joints and other organs, as well as on the country in which the clinic is selected. Thus, treatment can cost from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per course.

For a free consultation on stem cell treatment, please contact the coordinating doctor of MedTour.