Summary about Disease
Non-infectious arthritis encompasses a group of conditions characterized by joint inflammation and pain that are not caused by an infection. Unlike infectious arthritis (caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi), non-infectious arthritis arises from various underlying factors, including autoimmune disorders, genetic predispositions, and metabolic imbalances. Common examples include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. These conditions lead to joint damage, pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, impacting quality of life.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of non-infectious arthritis but commonly include:
Joint pain (can be constant or intermittent)
Joint stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity)
Swelling
Redness
Warmth around the affected joint
Decreased range of motion
Fatigue
Deformity of joints (in advanced cases)
Causes
The causes of non-infectious arthritis are diverse and depend on the specific type:
Osteoarthritis: Primarily caused by wear and tear of the cartilage in joints, aging, and genetic predisposition. Obesity and joint injuries are contributing factors.
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints (synovium).
Psoriatic arthritis: Linked to psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, and can involve both skin and joint inflammation.
Gout: Caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of uric acid crystals in joints. Diet, genetics, and kidney function play a role.
Other autoimmune conditions: Lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and other autoimmune diseases can also cause arthritis.
Medicine Used
Medications used to manage non-infectious arthritis aim to reduce pain, inflammation, and slow disease progression:
Pain relievers: Acetaminophen, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen).
Corticosteroids: Prednisone (oral or injection) to reduce inflammation.
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Methotrexate, sulfasalazine (for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis)
Biologic agents: TNF inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab), interleukin inhibitors (for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis)
Urate-lowering medications: Allopurinol, febuxostat (for gout).
Hyaluronic acid injections: For osteoarthritis.
Is Communicable
No. Non-infectious arthritis is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person through contact, air, or any other means.
Precautions
While non-infectious arthritis is not preventable in many cases, certain precautions can help manage the condition and minimize its impact:
Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
Regular exercise: Strengthens muscles around joints and improves range of motion. Low-impact activities like swimming and walking are beneficial.
Protect joints: Use proper body mechanics when lifting or carrying objects.
Eat a healthy diet: An anti-inflammatory diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids) may help.
Avoid smoking: Smoking worsens arthritis symptoms.
Manage underlying conditions: Control conditions like psoriasis, gout, or other autoimmune diseases that can contribute to arthritis.
Physical and occupational therapy: Can help improve function and reduce pain.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an outbreak (flare) varies depending on the type of arthritis and individual factors.
Osteoarthritis: Symptoms are often chronic, with periods of increased pain (flares) lasting days to weeks.
Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: Flares can last for weeks or months.
Gout: Acute gout attacks typically last for several days to a couple of weeks. Proper management with medication and lifestyle changes can help shorten the duration and frequency of flares.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical examination: Assessing joint pain, swelling, range of motion, and other signs.
Medical history: Reviewing symptoms, family history, and other medical conditions.
Blood tests: To check for markers of inflammation, uric acid levels, or antibodies associated with specific types of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies).
Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to visualize joint damage.
Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis): Removing fluid from the joint to analyze for crystals (gout) or rule out infection.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly:
Osteoarthritis: Gradual onset of pain and stiffness over months or years.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Gradual or sudden onset of symptoms, with morning stiffness often lasting for more than 30 minutes. Can affect multiple joints simultaneously.
Psoriatic arthritis: May develop before or after the onset of psoriasis. Symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of flares and remissions.
Gout: Sudden onset of severe pain, often in the big toe, that reaches its peak within 12-24 hours.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to slow disease progression and prevent joint damage.
Non-infectious arthritis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
Treatment plans should be individualized based on the specific type of arthritis, symptom severity, and individual needs.
Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, play a significant role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Regular follow-up with a rheumatologist (a doctor specializing in arthritis) is essential.