Arthritis Treatment in Dubai
Book An Appointment
Understanding Arthritis and Its Symptoms
Arthritis is a common medical condition characterized by joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It affects millions of people worldwide, and its prevalence increases with age.
If you are suffering from arthritis, you may be wondering what causes it and what you can do to manage it.
Let us discuss everything you need to know about arthritis, its symptoms, and the available arthritis treatment in Dubai.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a broad term that refers to inflammation of the joints. There are 100 or more kinds of arthritis, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Some of the common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that happens when the cartilage that shields the joints wears down with age. This may result in swelling, pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine.
Rheumatoid arthritis
On the other hand, Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that erupts when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, resulting in inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis can have an impact on any joint, including the hands, wrists, and feet.
Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis a person has. However, some of the most common symptoms of arthritis include the following:
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually develop slowly over time and can include the following:
- Pain in the joints
- Stiffness or swelling in the joints, especially after being inactive for a while
- A crunching or grinding feeling when moving the joints
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include the following:
- Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, particularly in the hands and feet
- Fatigue
- A general feeling of being unwell
- Stiffness in the morning that lasts for more than an hour
Diagnosis of arthritis in Dubai
The diagnosis of arthritis involves carefully evaluating a patient’s medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Here are some common steps involved in the diagnosis of arthritis:
- Medical history: The first step in diagnosing arthritis is to take a detailed medical history of the patient. The doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as their duration and severity.
- Physical examination: After the medical history, the doctor will physically examine the patient. They will check for signs of joint inflammation, such as redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling, and assess the affected joints’ range of motion, strength, and stability.
- Laboratory tests: Depending on the suspected type of arthritis, the doctor may order some laboratory tests to support the diagnosis. These tests can include blood tests, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
- Imaging studies: Imaging studies can provide more detailed information about the affected joints and help confirm the diagnosis. These studies can include X-rays, which can show changes in bone density, joint space, and bone erosions, suggesting osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
They can also include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can provide a more detailed view of the soft tissues, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, and detect early signs of joint damage that can suggest inflammatory arthritis or connective tissue disease.
Other imaging studies, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans, can also be used to assess joint and tissue changes in different types of arthritis.
Arthritis Treatment in Dubai
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the type of arthritis you have and develop a treatment plan.
Dr El Toukhy, a pain management expert, provides comprehensive arthritis treatment in Dubai.
He uses a multidisciplinary approach to treat arthritis, which may include:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of arthritis.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve joint flexibility, range of motion, and strength. Dr El Toukhy may recommend exercises to help alleviate pain and improve function.
- Lifestyle Changes: Dr El Toukhy may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, dietary modifications, and stress management techniques to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
- Therapeutic injections and nerve blocks are commonly used treatments for managing pain, particularly for individuals with chronic pain. These procedures involve injecting medication, such as an anesthetic or corticosteroid, directly into the affected area or nerve to alleviate pain.
These include:
- X-ray-guided epidural injection
- Selective nerve blocks for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
- Facet joint injections
- Trigger point injections
Therapeutic injections are commonly used to treat joint pain, such as in the knees, shoulders, or hips.
They may also be used to treat conditions such as tendonitis or bursitis.
The injection typically contains a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
On the other hand, nerve blocks involve injecting medication directly into a specific nerve or nerve cluster to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
They are often used to treat conditions such as chronic headaches, sciatica, or complex regional pain syndrome.
Arthritis Doctor In Dubai - Dr El Toukhy
If you want arthritis treatment in Dubai, Dr Mohamed El Toukhy can help. As a pain management expert, Dr El Toukhy offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Don’t let arthritis affect your quality of life. You can manage your symptoms with the right treatment and return to the activities you love.
FAQs
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. It can affect one or multiple joints and is common among adults but can occur at any age.
Age-related wear and tear of the joints
Autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis)
Genetic factors
Previous joint injuries
Obesity, which puts extra stress on the joints
Typical symptoms of arthritis include:
Joint pain and stiffness
Swelling and tenderness around the joint
Reduced range of motion
Warmth or redness over the affected joint
Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
A pain specialist or rheumatologist will diagnose arthritis through:
A physical examination of the joints
Medical history review
X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans
Blood tests (to detect inflammation or autoimmune conditions)
Arthritis treatment in Dubai may include:
Medications to reduce pain and inflammation
Physiotherapy and lifestyle modifications
Joint injections (such as corticosteroids or PRP therapy)
Advanced minimally invasive procedures
In severe cases, joint replacement surgery
Dr. El Toukhy, a leading pain specialist in Dubai, is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating different types of arthritis, helping patients manage pain and improve mobility.