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
Exercise to strengthen the muscles and improve
joint strength and movement. Strength training,
dancing, bicycling, swimming and walking are all good choices in exercise.
Provailen
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