The term joint deformity refers to a large group of pathological conditions that lead to changes in the shape or movement of the body’s joints. Follow this article with us to find out what is joint deformity? 

​What is joint deformity?

It is the occurrence of changes in the shape, movement, and normal function of one of the body’s joints. There are two types of inflammation that cause joint deformity, which are as follows:

• Psoriatic arthritis deformans, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints and is a type of psoriatic arthritis. This disease is characterized by severe deformity and destruction of the joints, especially in the hands and feet.

• Deforming rheumatoid arthritis, a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis  characterized by rapid joint destruction and significant deformity.

 Causes of joint deformity

Deforming arthritis affects the shape and function of the joint, and its most important causes are:

• Getting older. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks joint tissues, leading to inflammation of the joint tissues, erosion of the cartilage between the bones, and joint deformity. 
• Psoriatic arthritis is a disease caused by skin psoriasis and leads to inflammation, swelling and deformity of the joints over time. 
• Arthrosis, or osteoarthritis, is one of the common types of arthritis, where there is erosion of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the joints, leading to the bones rubbing against each other and deforming the joint. 
• Injuries, whether sudden, such as fractures and dislocations, repetitive injuries, or repetitive stress on the joint. 
• Genetic diseases, such as Marfan syndrome, which cause joint deformity. 
• Metabolic diseases such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease lead to the accumulation of substances in the joints and their deformity. 

 Symptoms of joint deformity

Symptoms of deforming arthritis vary depending on its main cause, but one of the most obvious symptoms is severe deformity of the affected joints. In general, common symptoms include the following:

•  The feeling of pain in the joints increases with movement. 
• Swelling and puffiness of the area surrounding the joint due to fluid accumulation. 
• Joint stiffness due to damage to the surrounding tissues and difficulty moving, especially in the morning or sitting for a long time. 
• Change and deformity of the joint shape, especially the fingers and toes. 
• Difficulty moving and affecting the performance of daily activities.
• Thick and scaly skin patches in some cases, especially in patients with psoriatic arthritis. 

 Complications of joint deformity

Leaving joint deformity untreated leads to a group of complications that greatly affect the patient’s daily life, as follows:

• Complete loss of joint function, inability to move properly, and difficulty performing daily activities. 
• Joint pain Chronic inability to rest or sleep. 
• Damage to the tissues surrounding the joint and tearing of ligaments, tendons and muscles, which worsens the condition and the feeling of pain. 
• Deformity of one joint may affect the function and movement of another joint, such as deformity of the knee joint that affects the movement of the hip joint or spine. 
• The psychological impact of chronic pain and the inability to perform daily activities. 
• Increased risk of osteoporosis. 
• Bursitis and joint cysts. 

 How to diagnose joint deformity

The Orthopedic Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is one of the largest specialized centers in the region, which provides therapeutic services andDiagnosis of joint diseases It is comprehensive for all cases of bone and joint diseases and fractures. The examination and diagnosis of joint deformity at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital depends on several steps, including:

• Physical examination at the clinic, knowing the patient’s medical history and symptoms, and checking the movement of the joint and the appearance of any deformities in it.
• Laboratory tests, blood tests to determine the presence of inflammation in the body and detect autoimmune diseases, and analysis of the synovial fluid present in the joint. 
• X-rays, to detect changes in the bones and joints, such as cartilage erosion or excess bone formation. 
• Magnetic resonance imaging, to show any damage to the soft tissues surrounding the joint such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage. 
• Computed tomography, to see more details about the bones. 
• Arthroscopy, the insertion of a thin tube equipped with a camera into the joint to examine internal tissues.

 Treatment of joint deformity

Treatment of joint deformity aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and prevent worsening of the deformity. The type of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease, the severity of the deformity, and the accompanying symptoms. The treatment steps include the following:

تعديل نمط الحياة 

• Follow a balanced diet, eat foods rich in anti-inflammatory agents such as fruits, vegetables and fatty acids, and avoid processed foods and sugars. 
• Exercising helps maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and strengthen muscles, such as swimming or walking. 
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints. 
• Reduce stress, take adequate rest, and avoid activities that increase pain. 

Treatment with medication

• Pain-relieving medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 
• Antirheumatic drugs in case of deforming rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. 
• Corticosteroid medications, either taken orally or injected into the joint. 

Physical therapy 

• Do exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint, improve joint movement, and massage the joint. 
• Occupational therapy to help you perform daily activities while minimizing stress on your joints. 
• Using assistive devices such as splints, braces, and walkers to provide the necessary support for the joint and improve movement. 
• Heat and cold therapy to relieve inflammation and pain

العلاج الجراحي

• Arthroscopy, to repair damaged tissue. 
• Replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint. 
• Surgical intervention to correct joint deformity and reconstructive surgery.

 How to prevent joint deformity?

We advise you to follow the following tips to prevent joint deformity, especially if you have risk factors, which are as follows:

• Maintain a healthy weight, to avoid excess pressure on the joints.
• Exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles that support the joints. 
• Avoid vigorous exercise, violent movements that put pressure on the joints, or lifting heavy objects. 
• Maintain correct body positions, such as a straight back while sitting and standing, and avoid bending over for long periods. 
• Treating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis to avoid joint deformity and worsening symptoms. 
• Follow a healthy diet and eat foods rich in calcium  and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones and joints and antioxidant foods.
• Periodic examinations and follow-up for early detection of any joint problem or immune diseases. 

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Frequently asked questions

Is arthrosis dangerous?

Osteoarthritis, or arthrosis, is a chronic disease that affects the joints, characterized by erosion of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones. It is not fatal, but it affects the patient’s quality of life and his ability to carry out daily activities.

What is the difference between arthritis and osteoporosis?

Both arthritis and osteoporosis affect the joints, but they differ in symptoms, causes, and treatment. Arthritis refers to all diseases that cause inflammation in the joint, while osteoporosis refers to a state of weak bones and lack of density, which makes them susceptible to fracture. 

Arthritis directly affects the joints themselves, causing stiffness, difficulty moving, and pain in the joints. However, osteoporosis causes symptoms such as easy fractures, pain in all bones of the body and the spine, and affects the joints indirectly. 

Can arthrosis be cured?

There is no definitive cure for arthrosis, but there are many treatments that can alleviate symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life, including lifestyle changes such as a healthy weight, exercising, taking analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, and adhering to physical therapy. 

What are the most dangerous types of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the body's joints. There are other types of rheumatoid arthritis, which are as follows:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the chronic inflammatory disorders, is an autoimmune disease that affects not only the joints, but it can cause damage to some other organs such as the lungs, skin, eyes, heart, and also blood vessels. 
• Lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects many body systems, such as joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and brain.
• Psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, is associated with skin psoriasis. It has a negative impact on the body's joints and surrounding structures, such as tendinitis, or inflammation of the tenosynovitis of the fingers. 
• Scleroderma is a rare disease that has two types, one that affects only the skin, while the other type affects the internal organs of the body. 
• Gout, a common type of rheumatism, is characterized by a feeling of swelling and stiffness in the joints, especially the big toe joint. 

In conclusion, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to controlling rheumatic diseases and joint deformities and preventing serious complications.

The Orthopedic Center at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, equipped with the latest medical equipment in the world, provides many distinguished services in the field of orthopedic medicine and surgery, which are characterized by high quality and appropriate medical and surgical intervention at the right time, due to the great experience enjoyed by the medical staff. 

You can contact us on our numbers listed on the website for more details, reservations and inquiries. 

Medical references 

Joint deformity What to know – medicalnewstoday

What is Limb Deformity – jnjmedtech