Arthritis Panel Test: Symptoms, Causes & When to Get Tested

Arthritis is common in people older than 50. This health condition can cause joint pain, inflammation and stiffness. After the detection, your doctor will help you understand the type of arthritis, symptoms, what is causing it and when you should get tested. 

What is arthritis?   

Arthritis is a disease that may cause damage in your joints (where two bones meet). Though some joints naturally wear down as you age, many individuals develop arthritis after that normal wear and tear. Some types result from injury that damages a joint. But there are certain health conditions too that lead to arthritis. It can affect any joint, but is common in people's: 

• Knees
• Hips
• Hands and wrists
• Feet and ankles
• Shoulders
• Lower back(lumbar spine) 

A healthcare provider will help you find ways to manage symptoms like pain and stiffness. As in some severe cases, some people with arthritis will need surgery to replace their damaged or affected joints. You can also consult your doctor, who may suggest an arthritis panel test to confirm the condition. 

What are the types of arthritis?  

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and some of the common types include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: It happens when your immune system mistakenly damages your joints.
• Gout: A type of arthritis that causes sharp uric acid crystals to develop in your joints.
• Psoriatic arthritis: This is a type that affects people who have psoriasis.
• Juvenile arthritis: This can be seen in kids and teens who are younger than 16.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: It is an arthritis that affects joints near your lower back.
• Osteoarthritis: A wear-and-tear type of arthritis

Depending on which type of arthritis you have, it can break down the natural tissue in your joint or cause further inflammation, leading to degeneration.

What are the common symptoms and causes? 

The most common arthritis signs and symptoms include: 

• Inflammation, or swelling
• Sensitivity to touch around a joint
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Joint pain
• Skin discolouration
• Experiencing heat or warmth near the joint

Where you experience symptoms will depend on the type of arthritis you have and which of your joints are affected. Some types of arthritis cause symptoms in waves that come and go like flares, while others make your joints feel painful and stiff all the time. 

Causes 

The common causes of arthritis depend on which type you have, such as:

Osteoarthritis that happens as you naturally age- your joints can eventually wear down the cartilage cushioning.

• Certain viral infections may also trigger arthritis.
• There is a high risk that you may also develop gout if you have too high a uric acid level in your blood.
• In some cases, arthritis can also occur with no cause or trigger, which is termed idiopathic arthritis.

Are there any risk factors of arthritis?   

Though anyone can develop arthritis, some factors that contribute to arthritis include:

• Having a family history: Individuals with a family history of arthritis are more likely to develop this health condition.
• Tobacco consumption: Excessive smoking and using other tobacco products can increase the risk.  
• Not being active: You may be more likely to have arthritis if you follow a sedentary routine and are not physically active.
• Other health conditions: Obesity or having autoimmune conditions can affect your joints and increase the risk of developing arthritis.
• Individuals over the age of 50
• Those who have demanding jobs or a lifestyle that puts too much stress on their joints.

Moreover, arthritis can develop at any age, but when it usually affects you depends on the type you have and what's causing it.

Usually, osteoarthritis affects adults over 50, while rheumatoid arthritis develops in adults aged 30 to 60.

Other types may be affected due to the specific trigger. For example, individuals with post-traumatic arthritis do not develop it until their joints get injured. Also, gout doesn't affect you until you have had high uric acid levels for several months.

When should I get tested for the Arthritis Panel test? 

Your doctor will examine your affected joints and will ask about your symptoms, then may recommend the arthritis panel test, which doesn't require any special preparations unless asked by your doctor. If you are concerned about the arthritis panel test price, it may vary depending on your location and diagnostic centre.

After the test results, your doctor will help you find the right treatment and manage the symptoms, as there is no cure for the arthritis. The most common way to manage this disease includes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy, and surgery (in severe cases). For further understanding, consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How to care for arthritis?

Caring for arthritis focuses on starting with weight management, doing low-impact exercise, and using hot or cold packs for joint pain.

2. Which foods should you avoid with arthritis? 

Refined sugar, alcohol, gluten-filled food, packaged and fried food, red and processed meat.

3. Can I walk with arthritis? 

Yes! Walking is good for arthritis because it is a light exercise that supports a healthy weight and reduces pressure on knees and hips. 

4. At what age does arthritis usually start? 

Diseases like arthritis can develop at any age. However, generally it affects adults older than 50.