TwoCents | Can Arthritis Be Detected Early?

<img src="/media/inline_insight_image/6709624b468e8134d26367b0_67095fd47551823f8d20552d_arthritis-type4s.png" style="background-color: transparent;">WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?It is the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. Most commonly experienced in the ankle joints (AKA the weight bearing joints).Different types of arthritis exist, each with different causes including wear and tear of essential protective tissues around the joints, infections and underlying diseases.Symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and stiffness.The Hospital for Special Surgery published an article written by Dr Theodore R. Fields that explained how inflammatory arthritis can be detected before it progresses to its critical stage; Rheumatoid arthritis.He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis as it will prevent long-term joint damage and improving treatment outcomes. Inflammatory arthritis, including conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, often presents with symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Early diagnosis can be challenging as these symptoms can resemble other health conditions, but recognizing them early is key to reducing irreversible joint damage.DIAGNOSISIt starts with, why does my knee hurt a lot?Why do my knees or ankles feel stiff occasionally?Why do my ankles get swollen and hurt easily?Please get to see a physiotherapist or a doctor as soon as you can.This typically starts with a thorough physical examination and a detailed medical history. Physicians look for signs like swelling, warmth, and limited movement in the affected joints, often focusing on common areas such as the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Asides from Imaging techniques, Blood tests are essential tools in diagnosing inflammatory arthritis. Key tests include rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, which are markers for rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can also signal the presence of inflammation in the body.These tests can detect early changes in the joints that are not yet visible to the naked eye. Thus, early intervention, based on these diagnostic tools, helps to slow disease progression, minimize damage, and improve long-term quality of life for individuals with inflammatory arthritis.Let me know if this helps, or if it's all science gibberish to you 😄...Comment below if you have questions too.

If I Had Known.... (A Discussion Providing Knowledge On Previously Or Ongoing Research For The Early Detection Of Disease Conditions)