Best Arthritis Treatment in Dehradun: Symptoms & Causes| Graphic Era Hospital

At Graphic Era Hospital, we understand that living with arthritis can be overwhelming, as it can affect mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Our team of experienced rheumatologists and orthopaedics is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centric care to help you regain control of your health and life. With advanced diagnostic techniques, tailored treatment plans, and state-of-the-art facilities, we are equipped to offer personalised treatments for arthritis, bringing relief and restoring your quality of life.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause damage to the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. This typically occurs where two bones meet, such as the hips, knees, feet, ankles, shoulders, and fingers. There are over 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. The primary causes of arthritis disease include wear and tear in the joints due to old age, damage from injuries, or infections. It is a chronic condition that affects people of all ages, requiring long-term management and care.

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

Joint pain
Swelling
Stiffness
A feeling of warmth near the affected joint
Tenderness
Limited range of motion
Skin discolouration or redness

The severity of the symptoms varies depending on the type of arthritis, the affected joint, and the overall health of the patient. Some patients experience mild discomfort that goes away with medications, while others require invasive medical interventions, such as surgery, for relief. Graphic Era Hospital provides precise diagnosis and effective treatment options for arthritis patients, helping them improve their mobility and quality of life.

Risk Factors for Arthritis

Some of the risk factors for arthritis are preventable, while others are not. Awareness of the contributing factors to arthritis can help individuals adopt preventative measures and minimise their risk.

Preventable Risk Factors:

Physical Activity Levels: People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop arthritis.
Tobacco Use: People who use tobacco and other toxic substances are at a higher risk of developing arthritis.
Obesity: People with excess body weight are at a higher risk.
Previous Joint Injuries: People with previous injuries from sports, repetitive stress, or accidents are at a higher risk of developing arthritis in the affected joint.
Sporting Activities: People who play sports professionally are more likely to develop arthritis.
Certain Occupations: People who are involved in occupations that put higher and repeated stress on joints, such as construction work, are at a higher risk of developing arthritis.

Non-Preventable Risk Factors:

Age: People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk.
Family History: People from families where arthritis is common are more likely to develop it.
Autoimmune Diseases: People with diseases that attack the immune system are more likely to develop arthritis.
Gender: People assigned female at birth are more likely to develop arthritis.

If you identify with any of the aforementioned risk factors for arthritis, schedule a consultation with an orthopaedist at Graphic Era Hospital. Our bone specialists can assess your risk and advise on appropriate prevention measures.

When to Consult a Doctor?

As arthritis is a chronic condition that does not go away on its own, it is important to consult a doctor no matter which stage of the treatment journey the patient is at. Here are some key reasons to consult an orthopaedic specialist at Graphic Era Hospital:

Persistent Joint Pain: If joint pain lasts for a few days or worsens with time.
Swelling and Redness: Any noticeable swelling or redness in the joints indicates inflammation, requiring a doctor’s evaluation.
Joint Stiffness: Difficulty moving joints even when at rest may indicate arthritis symptoms.
Sudden or Severe Symptoms: Intense joint pain, stiffness, or inability to move a joint suddenly could indicate a condition such as septic arthritis, which requires immediate care.
Reduce Range of Motion: If daily tasks are becoming difficult to perform, it indicates the need for medical advice.
Persistent Cracking or Grinding Sensations: These sensations could indicate cartilage damage and require medical care.
Unexplained Fatigue or Fever: These are symptoms of an infection, which can lead to arthritis.
Changes in Joint Appearance: Any visible deformities, nodules, or abnormal joint shapes should be evaluated promptly to prevent further damage.
Worsening of Symptoms: Any flare-ups in pre-existing symptoms may require adjustments to the treatment plan.
Side Effects of Medications: Arthritis medications can lead to adverse effects, such as dizziness, allergic reactions, or stomach pain.
Associated Health Conditions: People with arthritis often develop related medical conditions such as cardiovascular issues and osteoporosis and require additional treatment.
Post-surgical Consultations: Pain or stiffness in joints after joint surgery indicates the need for a medical evaluation to rule out complications.
Preventative or Routine Checkups: For people at risk of arthritis development, routine consultations with orthopaedists can help in early detection and prevention.

Types of Arthritis Treated at Graphic Era Hospital

Graphic Era Hospital provides comprehensive care for a wide range of arthritis conditions, including, but not limited to:

Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, caused by the wear and tear of cartilage in joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis affecting some individuals with psoriasis (a skin condition that causes inflammation), causing joint pain and stiffness.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: A form of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to stiffness and reduced flexibility.
Gout: A form of arthritis characterised by sudden, severe pain and swelling in joints due to the buildup of uric acid crystals.
Septic Arthritis: A serious form of arthritis, caused by an infection in a joint that requires urgent medical intervention to prevent long-term damage.
Reactive Arthritis: A form of arthritis triggered by an infection in another part of the body, leading to joint inflammation.
Lupus Arthritis: Associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where the immune system attacks the joints along with other tissues.
Systemic Sclerosis: A rare and chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): A form of arthritis affecting children, causing joint pain, swelling, and potential long-term complications.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: A form of arthritis that occurs after an injury to a joint, leading to symptoms similar to osteoarthritis.
Undifferentiated Arthritis: Cases of arthritis that do not fit into a specific category but require monitoring and management.

Arthritis Diagnosis Process at Graphic Era Hospital

At Graphic Era Hospital, we follow a comprehensive, patient-centric approach to diagnose arthritis effectively. Here’s an overview of our diagnostic process:

1. Initial Consultation

The process begins with a thorough consultation, where our experienced doctors review the patient’s medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. They will ask about symptoms, such as the type of pain, its duration, and any joint stiffness or swelling.

2. Physical Examination

The doctor will then conduct a physical examination for visible signs of arthritis, such as swelling, redness, warmth, or deformities in the joints. The doctor will also test the range of motion of affected joints to assess how well they are functioning.

3. Blood Tests

Blood tests are commonly performed to identify markers of inflammation and other indicators that can point to specific types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Common tests include:

Rheumatoid Factor (RF): A blood marker that can indicate rheumatoid arthritis.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA): For detecting autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Uric Acid Levels: Elevated levels may indicate gout.
C-reactive Protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): These tests measure inflammation in the body and help in diagnosing inflammatory arthritis.

4. Imaging Tests

X-rays: Help detect joint damage, narrowing of joint spaces, and bone erosion, often associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues and joints, helping to identify damage to cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Ultrasound: Can detect inflammation in joints and assist in guiding injections or aspirations.
CT Scans: Provide a 3D view of joints for more precise analysis.

5. Joint Fluid Analysis (If Needed)

In cases of suspected gout or infection-related arthritis, joint fluid analysis may be performed. A sample of the synovial fluid from the affected joint is drawn using a needle. The fluid is then examined for uric acid crystals (in gout) or microbes (in septic arthritis).

6. Arthroscopy (If Needed)

In rare cases, an arthroscopy may be recommended for a more detailed examination of the joint. During this minimally invasive procedure, a small camera is inserted into the joint to visualise the cartilage, synovium, and other structures inside the joint.

7. Diagnosis Confirmation

After conducting the necessary tests, the doctor will evaluate all the findings and confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the type of arthritis, a personalised treatment plan will be created, which may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

At Graphic Era Hospital, we ensure that the entire diagnosis process is carried out with compassion, accuracy, and a focus on patient comfort.

Arthritis Treatments Available at Graphic Era Hospital

At Graphic Era Hospital, treatment plans are tailored to each patient, based on the type and severity of arthritis, as well as their overall health. Here’s an overview of the primary treatment options available:

Medications

Medications are often the first line of treatment for arthritis. At Graphic Era Hospital, our specialists prescribe medications to reduce pain, inflammation, and slow disease progression. These may include:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These help reduce pain and inflammation (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).
Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These medications are used to treat autoimmune forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, helping to slow disease progression.
Biologic Response Modifiers: Biologics target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and are commonly used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Corticosteroids: These potent anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected joints to provide rapid relief.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications may be used to manage pain.

Joint Injections

For targeted relief, joint injections can be an effective treatment. Common injections include:

Corticosteroid Injections: Directly injected into the joint, these can provide quick relief from inflammation and pain.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Used for osteoarthritis, these injections help lubricate the joint and reduce pain, often in the knee.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP is derived from the patient’s blood and injected into the joint to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing arthritis, helping to maintain joint function and mobility. At Graphic Era Hospital, we provide personalised physical therapy programs that focus on:

Strengthening muscles around affected joints to improve stability.
Improving flexibility and range of motion to reduce stiffness.
Pain management techniques such as heat and cold therapy.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily activities and ensuring that the patient can perform routine tasks with greater ease. Our occupational therapists will work with the patient to:

Suggest modifications to their home and work environment to minimise joint stress.
Recommend assistive devices to aid in daily activities (e.g., grab bars, specialised tools).

Surgical Procedures

In more severe cases of arthritis, when non-surgical treatments are not effective, surgery may be considered. At Graphic Era Hospital, we offer the following surgical options:

Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that allows the doctor to view and treat damaged joints using small incisions and a camera.
Joint Replacement Surgery: In cases of severe joint damage, total or partial joint replacement (e.g., knee or hip replacement) may be necessary.
Osteotomy: A procedure where bones are realigned to reduce joint stress and improve function, typically used for knee osteoarthritis.
Synovectomy: In this procedure, the damaged or inflamed synovial membrane (the lining of the joint) is surgically removed. Synovectomy is often performed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation of the synovium causes pain and damage to the joint.
Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion): In cases where joint replacement is not feasible, or the arthritis is particularly severe, arthrodesis (joint fusion) may be considered. This surgery involves permanently fusing two bones together, effectively eliminating movement in the joint but relieving pain.
Resection Arthroplasty: Resection arthroplasty is typically used for the fingers or toes in cases of severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the joint (often a bone or cartilage) to improve function and reduce pain.

Arthritis Therapies

At Graphic Era Hospital, we offer innovative arthritis therapies to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life, including:

Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells, such as Mesenchymal stem cells, are used to regenerate damaged tissues and promote joint repair.
Biologics and Biosimilars: Biologics are drugs derived from living organisms that help target the immune system to reduce inflammation, while biosimilars are a class of DMARDs that are highly effective for slowing the progression of the disease.
Gene Therapy: Gene therapy aims to treat genetic disorders by modifying or replacing faulty genes at a molecular level.
Peptide Injections: These target molecules reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair, helping manage pain and improve joint function in arthritis without complications as seen in traditional drugs.
Regenerative Medicine: Stimulates tissue and joint repair to reduce reliance on traditional surgery.

At Graphic Era Hospital, our comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to arthritis treatment ensures that we address both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Our goal is to help patients regain their independence, reduce pain, and enhance their overall well-being.

Why Choose Graphic Era Hospital for Arthritis Treatment?

Specialized Expertise and Tailored Treatment Plans: At Graphic Era Hospital, we provide arthritis care through a dedicated team of experienced rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in managing various forms of arthritis. Our experts work closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that are designed to meet their specific needs. Whether you are dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or another form, we take a patient-centric approach, tailoring therapies to your individual condition and lifestyle, ensuring the best outcomes.

Holistic Approach to Care: We believe in a holistic approach to managing arthritis. Our care goes beyond medical treatment, integrating physical therapy, psychological support, and dietary guidance to improve your overall well-being. We understand that arthritis affects not just the joints but the entire body, and our team is dedicated to addressing the physical, emotional, and nutritional aspects of care. This comprehensive care model ensures that you have the support you need to manage symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Patient-Centric Care: Graphic Era Hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic technology to provide precise and accurate diagnosis, ensuring that we understand your condition thoroughly. Our advanced treatment options, including both non-surgical and surgical interventions, are aimed at relieving pain and improving function. We focus on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring comfort and satisfaction at every stage of treatment. From your initial consultation to long-term rehabilitation, we are committed to supporting you on your journey to recovery.

Arthritis Complications and Risk Management at Graphic Era Hospital

Arthritis, if untreated or poorly managed, can lead to various complications that impact overall health and well-being. At Graphic Era Hospital, we not only focus on treating arthritis but also emphasise proactive risk management strategies to prevent complications and improve the long-term health outcomes of our patients.

Common Complications of Arthritis

Joint Deformities: Chronic inflammation in conditions such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and deformities.
Joint Damage and Loss of Mobility: Arthritis can wear down cartilage, leading to stiffness, restricted movement, and joint dysfunction.
Bone Loss (Osteoporosis): Inflammatory arthritis increases the risk of weak, brittle bones, raising the likelihood of fractures.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Chronic inflammation from arthritis can contribute to cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes.
Chronic Pain and Disability: Persistent arthritis pain can lead to long-term physical disability and mental health challenges.
Fatigue: Inflammation from arthritis often causes exhaustion, limiting daily activities and overall energy.
Eye Problems: Autoimmune arthritis can result in eye dryness, inflammation, or vision issues, requiring regular eye checkups.
Infections: Immunosuppressive arthritis treatments can increase infection risk, necessitating preventive care and monitoring.

Risk Management Strategies at Graphic Era Hospital

Graphic Era Hospital leverages the following risk management strategies for effectively managing arthritis complications:

Comprehensive Monitoring and Early Intervention: Regular follow-ups to detect condition changes early, enabling tailored treatment to minimise complications.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises to improve mobility, flexibility, and joint support while reducing stiffness and fall risks.
Medication Management: Safe and effective treatments to control inflammation, protect joints, and prevent complications such as osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Prevention: Regular monitoring, supplements, and exercises to help maintain bone health and reduce fracture risks.
Cardiovascular Health Monitoring: Routine checks to manage heart disease risks associated with inflammatory arthritis.
Psychological Support: Counselling and support groups to address the emotional challenges of chronic pain and improve overall well-being.
Dietary Guidance: Tailored nutrition plans with anti-inflammatory foods to help manage symptoms and promote overall health.
Vaccinations and Infection Prevention: Immunisations and preventive strategies to reduce infection risks from immunosuppressive treatments.
Surgical Options When Necessary: Advanced procedures such as joint replacements to restore function when conservative treatments fail.
Patient Education: Personalised guidance to help patients understand arthritis, treatment options, and effective self-management strategies.