We Commonly Read About Osteoarthritis, What About Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Generally, Osteoarthritis is the most talked about the type of arthritis and certainly the commonest one among all genders. However, it’s quite important to understand the second commonest type of arthritis, which is known as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

What Do Orthopaedics Means By Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). 
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease of the joints just like osteoarthritis (OA). You can also call it an inflammatory type of arthritis. RA tends to affect both sides of the body- this can be illustrated like this, in case you have joint pain in your left leg, the right one will also develop the same.

In most cases, early medical intervention can clearly eliminate Rheumatoid arthritis and so, a patient may not require a surgery.

Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis You Must Know 
There are various types of Rheumatoid Arthritis and ascertaining the actual type can help render the treatment effective.

Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis 
In case your rheumatoid factor blood test or anti-CCP blood test return negative and you still have RA symptoms, there may be possibilities that you have Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
In case your rheumatoid factor blood test result returns positive, that means that you have antibodies that trigger your immune system to attack the joints.

JIA (juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
This type of RA affects individuals before the age of 17 and can trigger developmental issues and eye inflammation.

General Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis You Shouldn’t Overlook
RA can become a chronic condition in the case left untreated. Its symptoms vary from one individual to another depending on the severity. General symptoms include;
Joint pain
Swelling
Loss of function
Stiffness

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed Clinically?
There are various approaches through which RA is diagnosed, but the truth remains that the condition requires multiple blood tests. Diagnostic approaches;

Examination 
Here the doctor will physically examine your joints and during the process, he will evaluate the extent of swelling, joint changes, and muscle strength. He will also pose several questions regarding your medical history.

Blood Tests 
Here, the doctor will require you to have several blood tests in order to diagnose RA. Generally, they will help to confirm the presence of certain antibodies.

Imaging Tests
An X-ray, ultrasonography, and an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are commonly used to diagnose RA.

Which RA Treatment To Consider?

Currently, the available surgical techniques for RA can help correct the joint structures, deformities, eliminate pain, and as well improve joint function. Consider an advanced hospital for any form of arthritis treatment in India and also render your surgery safe and effective.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is also commonly treated through medications, but surgery is also possible. Dietary changes and certain exercises can help treat or lessen the degree of joint inflammation.

Hip Replacement Surgery- Now A Precise Procedure!

Hip Replacement Surgery- Now A Precise Procedure!

Hip replacement is among the commonest performed orthopaedic surgeries in India. Its candidates are both local and foreign, particularly those who are arthritic or have fractures.

In the past, a hip replacement surgery used to be invasive and certainly painful. The surgeon could cut through the tendons and muscles to reach out to the diseased joint.

The procedure was more tasking on the surgeon’s part and this even left many patients perplexed about the surgical outcomes. The issue of hospital stay, recovery and rehabilitation, governed by pain was surely stressful.

Modern Hip Replacement Procedures

Contemporary hip replacement approaches are minimally invasive and more manageable than the traditional approaches. Currently, the surgeons prefer the anterior approach technique, which is a minimally invasive hip replacement surgical approach.

This approach of hip replacement surgery in India minimizes post-surgical pain and also helps patients to get back to their activities in a shortest possible period possible.

The anterior surgical approach is performed through a small incision made from the front. This helps preserve the tendons and the muscles from damage. The surgery is conducted under anaesthesia and may last for an hour or more depending on the patient’s case.

Through the incision, the surgeon will remove the worn ball-and-socket joint and then replace it with a man-made socket ‘artificial socket’. In the end, the surgeon will fix a stem with a ball into the femur bone.

Why This New Surgical Approach?

Apart from its efficacy, this surgical approach helps to restore range of motion as well as arthritic pain.

This latest surgical technique is also a one-day procedure and reduces a patient’s hospital stay.

It also allows the patient to recover comfortably and speedily at home

Meeting Patients’ Surgical Expectations

Unlike in the past where hip replacement surgeries were more common in individuals aged 50 and above, more patients are opting for hip replacement as early as 40 years.

There are generally various factors that may require a young patient to undergo hip replacement. Either way, the latest technique is much more comfortable for younger patients who in most cases desire to return to their activities as early as possible.

The available hip implants are also durable and last for several years and provide better movements. However, although the latest surgical technique is openly available to all patients, they are advised to get a thorough evaluation.

It is best to undergo a hip replacement surgery after a recommendation by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon.