Arthritis is a group of many diseases related to joints in all locations of the body, including the wrists, knees, hips, fingers, shoulders... Some types of arthritis also affect other connective tissues and organs such as the skin, eyes, heart, lungs... The most common arthritis diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia...

Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Hong Hoa, Head of the Department of Musculoskeletal, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that if not detected and treated promptly, depending on the type of arthritis, it can lead to many dangerous complications. For example, osteoarthritis can cause calcification of articular cartilage and joint deformities; systemic lupus erythematosus complications damage the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood and brain; gout affects kidney function; rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of disability...

The main goal of treating arthritis is to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the joints. Treatment methods vary depending on the specific condition. For mild cases of arthritis, cold compresses or the use of mobility aids, such as canes or walkers, can effectively relieve pain.

In addition, your doctor may prescribe other treatments such as:

Medication : This is the preferred treatment method to resolve inflammation and pain, so that patients can move more easily and avoid the risk of muscle atrophy. Some commonly prescribed medications for arthritis include: pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressants...

Total joint replacement surgery is indicated for patients with severe arthritis and conservative treatments are ineffective.

Physical therapy : Uses exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint. This helps reduce pain, increase flexibility and range of motion of the joint. Some cases of mild to moderate arthritis can be cured after a period of physical therapy.

Along with treating the symptoms of arthritis, doctors also address the causes of this condition, thereby preventing arthritis from recurring.

According to Dr. Hong Hoa, for treatment methods to be most effective, patients should also create scientific living habits such as:

Regular exercise : Gentle exercise is very beneficial for improving arthritis symptoms as well as improving overall health. Patients should exercise at least 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week with suitable activities such as swimming, walking, jogging or cycling.... In addition, patients need to perform some stretching movements to maintain flexibility and range of motion of the joints.

Balance between exercise and rest: Patients should try to get enough rest, relax their mind, and limit stress. When exercising, relax your body if your muscles show signs of fatigue and only exercise again when all organs are ready.

Healthy diet : A balanced diet will help patients maintain a stable weight and control inflammation. Patients should limit their intake of refined foods, processed foods, and foods of animal origin. Instead, choose foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and increase foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen musculoskeletal health.

Phi Hong