Idiopathic Arthritis in Adults
Idiopathic arthritis refers to a group of chronic inflammatory joint diseases with no identifiable cause.
The term “idiopathic” means that the specific cause of the arthritis is unknown.
🔎 Types
- 🤲 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A systemic autoimmune disease causing chronic joint inflammation, leading to damage and deformities.
- 🦴 Osteoarthritis (OA): A degenerative joint disease marked by breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, causing pain and stiffness.
- 👶 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): Usually diagnosed in children but may persist into adulthood, resembling RA.
- 🎨 Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Associated with psoriasis; causes joint inflammation with swelling, pain, and stiffness.
- 🦠 Reactive Arthritis: Triggered after an infection (e.g., gastrointestinal or urinary tract), leading to joint inflammation.
⚠️ Symptoms
- Joint pain and tenderness 🤕
- Swelling and warmth 🌡️
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity ⏳
- Reduced range of motion 🔄
- Fatigue and malaise 😴
- Systemic signs (fever, weight loss) in some cases 🌍
🧪 Diagnosis
- 📖 Medical History: Symptoms, family history, and medical background.
- 🩺 Physical Exam: Assess tenderness, swelling, range of motion.
- 🧬 Laboratory Tests: Rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP antibodies, ESR, CRP.
- 🩻 Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound for joint changes.
- 💉 Arthrocentesis: Joint fluid analysis to exclude infection or gout.
💊 Management
- Medications:
- NSAIDs for pain & inflammation 🔥
- DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate) to slow disease progression ⏳
- Biologic agents (e.g., TNF inhibitors) 🎯
- Corticosteroids for flares 💉
- 🏋️ Physical Therapy: To maintain joint function and muscle strength.
- 🦾 Joint Protection: Use of orthotics and supportive devices.
- 🔧 Surgery: Joint replacement or repair in severe cases.
📈 Prognosis
- Course varies between individuals. ⏱️ Early diagnosis and treatment improve long-term joint preservation and quality of life.
📖 References
