The ABCs of arthritis
In
general, arthritis is a disease of the joints and cartilages. To have an understanding of arthritis, you
must understand cartilages and joints.
What are joints?
A
joint is a place in the body where two or more bones meet such as the shoulder
or knee.
What are cartilages?
Cartilage
is a slippery tissue that layers the bones in the body and a cushion in the
joint that protects the joint from the pressure and the shock of movement
making the movement painless.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis
is termed as “inflammation of the joints”.
Symptoms include swelling, stiffness and pain.
What causes arthritis?
When
the cartilage is broken down or the joints in the body are inflamed, arthritis
occurs. When the cartilage is worn or
breaks down, the bones begin to hit one another, rubbing together without the
protective cartilage resulting in stiffness, swelling and pain.
Two most common types of arthritis
1- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common
type of arthritis among adults living with arthritis. It is a form of arthritis that is often a
result of wear and tear of the joints that begin to wear out as a person
ages. The disease may also be a result
of an injury. The most common places on
the body for osteoarthritis to strike are in the hands, hips and knees. The condition causes the joints to thicken
and ache. The joint tissues may become
strained and cause more pain.
2- Rheumatoid
arthritis: Rheumatoid
arthritis is a result of a poor immune system.
The immune system is responsible for helping to protect the body against
infection. The immune system begins to
attack the body’s healthy tissues, causing an inflammation and pain in the
joint. The disease can also affect other
body parts such as the eyes, nerves, blood vessels and heart. .
Signs and symptoms of
arthritis
Although
there are over 100 types of arthritis, there are symptoms that are common in
all forms such as:
- Redness and warmth in a joint
- Difficulty when moving or using a
joint normally
- Recurring or constant pain and/or
tenderness in a joint
- Redness and warmth of the skin
surrounding the joint
- Limited use of a joint
- Stiffness around the joints that
lasts for at least an hour in the early morning
- Joint swells or enlarges
- Joint feels like it will not
support the weight of the body or is not stable
With
rheumatoid arthritis other signs may occur as well. If you are experiencing pain or concern it is
important to visit your doctor. However,
prior to you visit, ask yourself the below questions:
- What medicine/s are you taking?
- Does your family have a history
of any type arthritis or other rheumatic disease?
- Have you had any accidents or
illnesses that may account for the pain you are experiencing?
- Does activity make the better or
worse?
- What were you doing when you
first became aware of the pain?
- How long does the pain last?
- When does the pain occur?
- Is the pain in one or more
joints?
By
answering the above questions you will help your doctor to better diagnose your
condition.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis
will be made by your doctor who will take a medical history, perform a physical
exam and may take x-rays and blood tests.
How is arthritis
treated?
Treating
the disease will depend on various factors such as:
- The type of arthritis
- The cause
- Your work or activity
- Your age
- How the arthritis affects your
daily activities
- Severity of pain
- Which joints are painful
Surgery
and medical drug therapy can also be a treatment to help the condition. Because the dangers involved with medical
drugs pose additional risks to the persons health many patients are turning to
herbal supplements.
Lifestyle changes
Persons
living with arthritis may be required to incorporate the following changes into
their daily routine and lifestyle:
- Not staying in a position for an
excessive amount of time
- Avoid movements or positions that
put extra stress on painful joints
- Use cold or hot treatments to
help to control swelling and pain
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