What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to a condition where there is inflammation and damage of the joints.

It often causes patients to experience pain, stiffness, redness and swelling of the joints.

What Causes Arthritis?

There are different types of arthritis, each with different causes.

The 2 most common are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is related to wear and tear of cartilage, and often associated with trauma and other joint injuries.

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an over active immune system which results in joint inflammation.

Gout, another relatively common type of arthritis, is associated with abnormal metabolism. This causes increased levels of uric acid in the body and uric acid deposits in the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain.

There are also less common causes of arthritis associated with infection, psoriasis, and other diseases which can also affect patients.

How Do I Know if I have Arthritis?

If you experience any of the symptoms described above, or suspect that you have arthritis, you should consult a doctor for further advice. Your doctor will be able to review your symptoms and history, do a physical examination, and may also order x-rays and blood tests to determine your diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Arthritis Patients in Singapore?

The treatment options for arthritis depends on its cause and may include many types of medications, joint injections, physical therapy and even surgery.

Your family doctor should be able to advise you on the recommended treatments available to properly treat your arthritis and may also refer you to a specialist for further treatments.

Singapore Arthritis Resources

The National Arthritis Foundation
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (Singapore)