Arthritis is an inflammation in several joints of the body and is a term used broadly to describe several conditions.
Just under 40 million people suffer from the general term of arthritis.
Women generally suffer from arthritis more than men, but that really depends on the type, and men should be well aware of Arthritis symptoms.
Though the inflammation can also be seen in one joint such as finger or wrist or others.
It is believed that there is over 100 different types or forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form and is a degenerative joint disease.
Essentially, Arthritis is from a breakdown in cartilage.
Cartilage protects joints allowing for smooth and purposeful movement.
Cartilage absorbs shock when excess pressure is placed on joints or bones.
When cartilage is lacking, bones grind, rub, swell, and cause inflammation and stiffness.
Management of symptoms and disease often depend on type of arthritis and underlying conditions.
Symptoms
- Pain in one or more joints
- Pain worse in cold
- Pain worse in AM or after stiffness
- Stiffness
- Swelling of joint
- Redness of skin around affected joint
- Warmth of skin around affected joint
- Tenderness in joints
- Locking or joints
Causes and Risks:
- Previous injury
- Broken bone
- Autoimmune disease [when body attacks itself because it thinks that it is foreign]
- General “wear and tear”
- Infection
- Age
- Obesity
- Physical activity or inactivity
- Heredity
- Others
Often Blood tests are helpful
X-rays are essential
Other possible types include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Gouty Arthritis
- Septic Arthritis
- Autoimmune related Arthritis
- Pseudogout
- Many others
Treatment
1.) Medications
. NSAIDS
. Tylenol
. Aspirin
. other pain medications
. other medications depending on type of arthritis
2.) Physical therapy
3.) Management
- Stretches
- Low impact exercises
- Heat on joints
- Tens unit
4.) Bracing of joints
5.) Arthroplasty [Joint replacement by surgery]