Arthritis

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. If you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, consult a doctor.

Does Rilassáre's complementary medicine replace traditional medicine?

No. Our complementary medicine protocols (nutrition, psychological support, and general medicine) are designed as an adjunct to the treatment a patient may already be receiving, never as a substitute. Every case is individually assessed by our medical team, since no intervention is free of risk and its suitability depends on each person's clinical history.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints, and can affect one or several of them. It is a general term that covers more than 100 different types of joint conditions, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.

Arthritis can appear in people of any age, although it is more common in older adults. Over time, the inflammatory process can cause cartilage damage, loss of mobility, and deformity in the affected joints.

Depending on its type and cause, arthritis can be degenerative, inflammatory, infectious, or autoimmune. Timely medical diagnosis and treatment can help limit joint damage.

Symptoms of arthritis:

Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the type and cause, but usually include:

• • Joint pain and tenderness.
• • Swelling in the joint.
• • Decreased mobility.
• • Warmth or redness in the affected area.
• • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest.
• • Fatigue or general malaise in inflammatory cases.

Symptoms can be mild or severe, and may occur in a single joint (such as a knee or shoulder) or in several at once. In chronic forms, flare-ups of inflammation often alternate with periods of relief.

Types of arthritis

There are several forms of arthritis, among the most common are:

• • Osteoarthritis: caused by wear of the cartilage that covers the joints.
• • Rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints.
• • Psoriatic arthritis: related to psoriasis.
• • Infectious arthritis: caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
• • Gout: caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals.

Each type requires a different diagnostic and therapeutic approach, determined by a specialist physician.

Causes of arthritis

Causes vary depending on the type of arthritis, but the main associated factors are:

• • Natural wear of the joints (age or overuse).
• • Autoimmune disorders.
• • Viral or bacterial infections.
• • Genetic predisposition.
• • Previous joint trauma or injury.
• • Being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle.

In some cases, several of these factors interact, increasing the risk of developing the disease.

Risk factors

People at higher risk of developing arthritis include:

• • Older adults.
• • Women (higher incidence in several types of arthritis).
• • People with a family history of arthritis.
• • Individuals with previous joint injuries.
• • People who are overweight or obese.
• • Those who perform work or activities with repetitive movements.

Diagnosis of arthritis

Diagnosis is made through a clinical evaluation and additional tests, which may include:

• • Physical examination of the joints.
• • Blood tests to detect inflammatory or autoimmune markers.
• • Imaging studies: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to observe the condition of cartilage and bones.
• • In some cases, synovial fluid analysis to identify infection or crystals.

Early diagnosis helps prevent irreversible joint damage.

Treatment of arthritis

Treatment depends on the type and severity, but generally aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and preserve joint mobility; it must always be prescribed by a doctor.

Medications

• • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation.
• • Analgesics: for persistent pain.
• • Corticosteroids: to reduce intense inflammatory flare-ups.
• • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): for autoimmune-type arthritis.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Guided exercise and physical therapy help maintain mobility, strengthen muscles, and improve joint function. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight is recommended, always under professional supervision.

Surgery

In advanced cases or when conservative treatment is not enough, the doctor may consider surgical procedures such as:

• • Joint repair or replacement.
• • Joint fusion in cases of severe damage.

Regenerative medicine and support protocols

Regenerative medicine is being researched as a complementary support option in some cases of joint wear, with the goal of supporting pain management and mobility. This is a developing field whose use, indication, and outcomes must be evaluated case by case by the treating physician; it does not replace conventional medical diagnosis or treatment for arthritis.

Although arthritis does not always have a cure, a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan can help control symptoms, prevent complications, and maintain a good quality of life. Early diagnosis and specialized medical follow-up are key to avoiding progressive joint deterioration.

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