Arthritis is a disease related to the joints. This includes pain, swelling or stiffness.Although arthritis occurs in the older population above the age of 50, this disease is now being experienced by people in their 30s as well. Cases of rheumatoid arthritis can be seen in children aged 5.

Since it is a broad term, arthritisis of two types. The first one relates to inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus, which are degenerative. The second type is osteoarthritis, which is a common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people across the world.

According to Dr Naval Mendiratta, Senior Consultant-Rheumatology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, people should get diagnosed as early as possible when they see symptoms. “Rheumatoid arthritis can be seen in younger people, even kids of the age of 5 can also experience this type of arthritis. Typical symptoms are pain, and swelling in the joints like wrists, elbows, shoulders, and hands.”

Many people even experience morning sickness, which means their hands don’t work immediately when they wake up. “When you see these signs and symptoms, you should go to a doctor. People also get swelling in their mouth. They experience hair loss and rashes on the face due to the sun. They experience dryness in the mouth and the eyes as well,” he added.

In ankylosing spondylitis, people experience immense back pain, especially at night. They even have difficulty waking up in the morning. “This type of arthritis affects men more than women.Knee arthritis is degenerative, and people may experience pain at night, even when they’re exhausted. This is called osteoarthritis,” said Dr Mendiratta.

DIAGNOSIS

Get yourself diagnosed immediately when you have symptoms. “You have to understand that the treatment of each type of arthritis is different. Each individual would also have different kinds of medicine,” added Dr Mendiratta.