Autoinflammatory Arthritis happens because your body’s inflammation system goes a bit haywire.
Autoinflammatory Arthritis is a type of joint problem where your joints get swollen, stiff, and painful from time to time. Unlike autoimmune arthritis, it is not caused by your immune system attacking your body. Instead, it happens because your body’s inflammation system goes a bit haywire.
Some people inherit this condition from their family. They might have a gene that makes their body prone to these flare-ups.
Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and sometimes fever or feeling tired. Treatment usually involves using medications like pain relievers and sometimes special drugs to calm down the inflammation. It is important to catch it early and manage it well to avoid long-term joint damage.
Symptoms of Autoinflammatory Arthritis
Autoinflammatory Arthritis symptoms can vary, but they typically include:
- Joint Pain: Pain in one or more joints that can range from mild to severe.
- Swelling: Swelling around the affected joints, which can be tender to touch.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the joints, especially after waking up in the morning or after periods of rest.
- Redness and Warmth: The affected joints may feel warm to the touch and appear red.
- Recurrent Episodes: Flare-ups of symptoms that come and go over time, often with no obvious trigger.
- Systemic Symptoms: In some cases, individuals may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the affected joints due to pain and swelling.
These symptoms can affect various joints in the body, including the knees, wrists, ankles, and fingers. It is important to note that the severity and frequency of symptoms can vary from person to person and may require different approaches to management and treatment.
Treatment for Autoinflammatory Arthritis
Treatment for Autoinflammatory Arthritis focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Depending on the specific condition and its severity, treatment options may include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to help reduce pain and inflammation during flare-ups.
- Short-term use of corticosteroids can help control severe inflammation during acute episodes.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) may be used to control inflammation and prevent joint damage in some forms of autoinflammatory arthritis.
- Biologic Therapies use drugs that target specific molecules involved in inflammation and can be effective in managing symptoms and preventing flares.
- Pain Management Techniques such as physical therapy, heat or cold therapy, and joint protection strategies can help manage pain and improve mobility.
- Lifestyle Changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding triggers help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
- Regular Monitoring by the doctor is crucial to track disease progression, adjust treatment as needed, and manage any potential side effects of medications.
Treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific symptoms, disease severity, and response to therapy. It is important for individuals with Autoinflammatory Arthritis to work closely with their doctor to find the most effective treatment approach for them.
Exercise Benefits those with Autoinflammatory Arthritis
Exercise is essential for people with Autoinflammatory Arthritis as it helps maintain joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall function. However, it is important to choose exercises that are gentle on the joints and will not exacerbate inflammation.
Here are some types of exercises that may be beneficial:
- Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises: Activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or water aerobics can help improve cardiovascular health without putting too much stress on the joints.
- Range-of-Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises can help maintain flexibility in the affected joints. Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates are excellent options as they promote flexibility and strength while being gentle on the joints.
- Strength Training: Light resistance training with bands or light weights can help strengthen the muscles around the joints, providing better support and stability. Focus on exercises that target major muscle groups but avoid heavy weights or high-intensity workouts that may strain the joints.
- Balance and Stability Exercises: Improving balance and stability can help prevent falls and injuries. Simple balance exercises, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board, can be incorporated into a regular exercise routine.
- Joint-Friendly Activities: Activities such as gardening, gentle dancing, or leisurely bike rides can provide exercise while also being enjoyable and less stressful on the joints.
- Mind-Body Exercises: Mind-body exercises like meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, which may in turn help manage Autoinflammatory Arthritis symptoms.
Before starting any exercise program, it is important for individuals with Autoinflammatory Arthritis to consult with their doctor or a physical therapist to ensure that the chosen activities are safe and appropriate for their condition. They can also provide guidance on modifications and adjustments to accommodate individual needs and limitations.
Reviewed By:DR.PORKODI
CONSULTANT – RHEUMATOLOGY
MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), DM (RHEUMATALOGY)