Learning About Arthritis
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Arthritis, in simple words, means inflammation or swelling of the joints. It was derived from the Greek word which is arthro-, meaning joint, and –itis, which means inflammation. The joints are the structures of the body that connects a bone to another bone and allow movement to take place. Joints also provide support and lubrication. Once the cartilage, which protects the joints, degenerates and breaks down, the bones will rub together resulting in a lot of pain and inflammation. In recent studies, there are a lot of types of arthritis, over 100 actually. The most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, gonococcal arthritis and gouty arthritis. A fractured or a broken bone can cause joint inflammation as well as infection. But sometimes, autoimmune disorders the body’s immune system attack the body by error. Older people who have joints that have degenerated overtime are more susceptible to having this condition.
Recent studies show that arthritis is more common in women than in men but it can affect anybody, including young people. The most common manifestations are joint pain and joint swelling. Joint swelling can actually be seen by the naked eye. One will be able to see a protrusion between bones and on the joint areas specially the hands and the knee. The swelling is actually caused by injury caused by bone friction thus triggering extreme pain. The inflammation will then lead to a decreased range of motion. Patients with arthritis also complain of having stiffness especially in the morning time when they wake up. Redness and warmth around the joint may also be evident. One has to be careful since redness and warmth are also the early signs of infection once accompanied by fever and chills. A physical exam may be done first before taking different tests. X-rays and blood samples will be ordered to check the extent of joint inflammation and the blood test to check for any underlying infections.
For patients with arthritis, the treatment goal is to make sure that the pain is alleviated, no further injury to the joints will be made and physical function will be improved. For most of the types of arthritis, a change in the lifestyle is mostly advised. Different exercises and physical therapy will be included in the program including a change in diet and nutrition. Losing weight is an important part of the treatment process too. If you are heavy or your Ideal Body Weight is higher than normal, the pressure that your weight exerts to the joints may be greater and may complicate the injury. This can also mean more pain especially when movement is performed. Avoiding positions that may apply pressure to the joints is also part of the program. Most people with arthritis will be given medications. These may include acetaminophen, aspirin, corticosteroids and immuno-suppressant. These medications will have various side effects so physicians will always have to be careful when prescribing them. Patients with arthritis will also need assistance from their families and friends to completely adhere to the lifestyle changes as planned.
Recent studies show that arthritis is more common in women than in men but it can affect anybody, including young people. The most common manifestations are joint pain and joint swelling. Joint swelling can actually be seen by the naked eye. One will be able to see a protrusion between bones and on the joint areas specially the hands and the knee. The swelling is actually caused by injury caused by bone friction thus triggering extreme pain. The inflammation will then lead to a decreased range of motion. Patients with arthritis also complain of having stiffness especially in the morning time when they wake up. Redness and warmth around the joint may also be evident. One has to be careful since redness and warmth are also the early signs of infection once accompanied by fever and chills. A physical exam may be done first before taking different tests. X-rays and blood samples will be ordered to check the extent of joint inflammation and the blood test to check for any underlying infections.
For patients with arthritis, the treatment goal is to make sure that the pain is alleviated, no further injury to the joints will be made and physical function will be improved. For most of the types of arthritis, a change in the lifestyle is mostly advised. Different exercises and physical therapy will be included in the program including a change in diet and nutrition. Losing weight is an important part of the treatment process too. If you are heavy or your Ideal Body Weight is higher than normal, the pressure that your weight exerts to the joints may be greater and may complicate the injury. This can also mean more pain especially when movement is performed. Avoiding positions that may apply pressure to the joints is also part of the program. Most people with arthritis will be given medications. These may include acetaminophen, aspirin, corticosteroids and immuno-suppressant. These medications will have various side effects so physicians will always have to be careful when prescribing them. Patients with arthritis will also need assistance from their families and friends to completely adhere to the lifestyle changes as planned.