For more than 20 years I have been managing patients who are suffering from different types of arthritis. It has been my experience that most of these patients were unable to say what is the exact diagnosis that they were treated for or are being treated for. The usual response would be that they are being treated for “arthritis”. Most patients don’t even know that there are many different causes of arthritis.

The word arthritis has Greek origin and usually refers to inflammation of the joints. It describes a joint that is painful, swollen and stiff. Common causes of arthritis includes diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus. Osteoarthritis, which is commonly known as “wear and tear” or “old age” arthritis also has some amount of inflammation in the joints. There are many other diseases which can present with arthritis or have arthritis as a significant part of the patient’s complaints.

Therefore, when dealing with patients who are complaining of joint pain, swelling or stiffness, it is important that a proper evaluation be done to identify the cause of the arthritis. However, when patients are in pain they are not always interested in the cause of their symptoms. They are suffering and want immediate relief. Their focus is therefore on treatment that would bring relief to their symptoms. In addition to the treatment of the patient’s symptoms, the process of identifying the root cause of the pain and suffering should begin.

Having a proper diagnosis is essential in planning long-term treatment for patients. The short-term treatment may be in the form of tablets such as pain killers or steroids or injections of similar types of medications. However, long-term treatment should be in the form of medications that deal with the underlying cause of the patient’s arthritis.

Blood investigations, x-rays and other tests are all useful in making a diagnosis. Once a specific diagnosis is made, discussions can be had about a suitable treatment plan. Sometimes, other aspects of a patient’s health must be addressed when planning long-term treatment.

One such matter is that of the updating of vaccines before proceeding on long-term treatment. This may seem unnecessary, but it is part of proper long-term treatment.

The process might seem long and may be costly especially for patients pursuing healthcare privately. However, it is important that conditions are managed properly if complications are to be minimized or avoided.

Most causes of arthritis may not be curable, but they are treatable. Treatment options continue to increase as research in arthritis expands. Living with arthritis does not have to be a nightmare. Modern treatment should be able to allow for patients to live as near as normal and productive life, as possible. It is with these thoughts in mind that patients should begin the journey of caring for their arthritis symptoms.

Dr. Haramnauth Dyaanand 
Rheumatologist