The complaints and symptoms of arthritis can be very diverse, usually the patient has to struggle with pain and swelling in the affected joints. Equally uncomfortable is the overheating of the joint and the accompanying restriction of movement. In many cases, fluid collects in the joint , known as joint effusion. There are many factors that can cause inflammation. In many cases, it is bacteria or other pathogens that are responsible for the joint inflammation. Staphylococci and streptococci are very often involved. In theory, the infection can also originate elsewhere in the body and then enter the joint via the bloodstream. FurtherCauses of joint inflammation are psoriasis and metabolic diseases .
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Table of Contents
What types of arthritis are there?
In arthritis, a basic distinction is made between infectious and non-infectious joint inflammation. The infectious inflammation can be either an inflammation originating in the joint or a secondary disease of an inflammation in another part of the body.
The most well-known form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and gout . Other types are:
- Psoriatic arthritis , which is often caused by psoriasis.
- Morbus Bechterew , a severe inflammation of the spine.
- Fibromyalgia , which is caused by a drop in neurotransmitters in the brain, causing muscles to become stiff.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus — a particularly severe form that can affect not only the entire immune system but also internal organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis – the most common form of arthritis
Diagnosis of joint inflammation
The examination for arthritis begins with a detailed questioning by the doctor. Here, the history of the disease can already be used to draw conclusions about possible causes. Usually, the thorough physical examination is followed by a laboratory blood test. Inflammatory values in the blood and certain rheumatism symptoms and bacterial antibodies can be determined. Further measures are, for example, X-rays, joint reflections or removal of the synovial fluid.
Possible forms of therapy for arthritis
The basic therapeutic approach is usually protection and cooling of the affected joint . For this purpose, the joint should be stored at a correspondingly high level and cooled at regular intervals. Further therapies are geared towards the cause. Inflammation caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics to prevent consequential damage to the joint. This also prevents the bacteria from spreading further in the body. If the arthritis has already suppurated, a joint endoscopy or an operation on the open joint can be used to ensure that the joint effusion and cell debris are removed. Medication is often necessary, since the pain and inflammation can be combated with appropriate medication. In more severe individual cases, operations on joints may also be necessary.
Prevent joint inflammation with a healthy diet
In case of doubt, nutrition cannot of course replace therapy, but in recent years a large number of substances have been identified as promoting inflammation
found to be present in different concentrations in different foods. It has thus been recognized that inflammation is mainly triggered by eicosanoids. These inflammatory factors are formed from a special fatty acid that has different concentrations in food. A healthy diet can therefore reduce the risk of joint inflammation . The fatty acid is only found in animal foods, so a predominantly plant-based diet can have a very positive effect here.
Another positive influence can arise from the intake of omega-3 fatty acids. The intake of eicosapentenoic acid through food can reduce the formation of the inflammatory factors. The easiest way to achieve this diet is through fish and seafood. The same positive effects can be achieved with linolenic acids. These are mainly found in vegetable oils and currant oil.
Another anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by focusing on a diet rich in vitamins. Vitamins E, C and A. These vitamins, in cooperation with various trace elements, can ensure that free radicals and the level of inflammation in the body are reduced, thus contributing to an overall improvement. Selenium is mainly found in nuts and fish. In order to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins, gentle cooking methods should be used.
