Article # 151. Arthiritis

What is arthritis?

The term arthritis refers to about 120 different diseases that can affect the joints, muscles and other soft tissues. The three most common forms are osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Other two common arthritis are Juvenile arthritis & Gout.

Osteoarthritis: also known as degenerative joint disease is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of adults all over the world. Commonly referred to as a “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis involves destruction of the cartilage, the cushion or shock absorber on the ends of the bones.

Fibromyalgia: is a disease that causes pain and stiffness in the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. It is a common disease that affects people around the globe. Widespread pain and localized tender points occur in the muscles and tendons especially those of the neck, spine, shoulders and hips. Other common symptoms include significant fatigue, difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbance.

Rheumatoid arthritis: is a disease that primarily affects the lining of the joint. An important feature of this inflammatory illness is that the body’s own immune system targets its own tissue as an enemy. Joint swelling over a long period of time can lead to deformity and loss of function in the joint. Because rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body, many people also experience fatigue, fever and a general sense of feeling unwell..

Juvenile arthritis: Juvenile arthritis is usually an autoimmune disorder. As a rule, the immune system helps fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. But in an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks some of the body’s healthy cells and tissues. Scientists don’t know why this happens or what causes the disorder. Some think it’s a two-step process in children: something in a child’s genes (passed from parents to children) makes the child more likely to get arthritis, and something like a virus then sets off the arthritis.

Gout: Gout is a painful form of arthritis that is caused by high uric acid levels in your blood (hyperuricemia). Gout attacks occur when excess uric acid forms crystals, causing inflammation in your joints that leads to swelling and pain. As your uric acid level rises, so does the potential for gout and gout flares. Over time, gout attacks can become more severe, last longer, and occur more often. Decreasing your uric acid to the recommended level (less than 6 mg/dL) can reduce the risk of gout attacks over the long term.

Other types of arthritis include systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, infectious arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

How common is Arthritis?

Of the world's population, 90 percent will eventually develop some form of arthritis. In a number of cases, however, arthritis may cause little trouble because with increasing age most people make fewer demands on their bodies. Arthritis is often thought of as a sign of aging, although it can affect young as well as old people. In fact, arthritis is one of the most common diseases in humans.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of arthritis can include pain, swelling and stiffness in joints or the inability to move a joint normally. In some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, joints can become red, warm, swollen and painful, and the person may feel “sick all over.” Other symptoms are unexplained fever, fatigue, weight loss and swollen lymph glands. Symptoms typically last more than two weeks.

Who is at risk?

Non-modifiable risk factors are those that cannot be prevented or changed. They are:

• Men and women 45 years of age and older
• Females 15 years of age and older
• Someone with a family history of arthritis

Modifiable risk factors are those that can be prevented or changed by an individual. These include -

• Obesity
• Past injuries to joints
• Infections, such as Lyme disease
• Certain occupations that require frequent repetitive joint activities, for example, kneeling or stooping

How is arthritis diagnosed?

A diagnosis of arthritis is based on the pattern of symptoms, medical history, family history, physical examination, X-rays and lab tests.

How is arthritis treated?

Appropriate management can help people with arthritis live healthy and independent lives. A rheumatologist (an arthritis specialist) can be very helpful in evaluating and treating types of arthritis that require specialized drug therapy. An important aspect of successfully dealing with arthritis pain and disability is self-management. It is important for patients to learn about their disease and to take part in their own care. Working with health care professionals allows a person to share in decision making and gain a sense of control.

The following are important self-management skills:

• Exercise is important for maintaining healthy and strong muscles, for preserving joint mobility and for maintaining flexibility. Exercise also can help people to sleep better, to maintain a positive attitude and to lose weight. It can reduce pain, too. Before beginning any exercise routine, ask your doctor to help you create a program that meets your specific arthritis needs.
• Rest also is important. Arthritis may cause tiredness and muscle weakness. A rest or short nap that does not interfere with nighttime sleep may be useful in controlling pain. Some people find stress reduction and biofeedback helpful.
• Assistive devices can be used to reduce stress on certain joints. For example, braces or canes may help reduce stress on the knees. Jar grippers or similar gadgets may help reduce stress on the small joints. Research shows that patients who take part in their own care report less pain, make fewer visits to their doctor and enjoy a better quality of life.

When should you get help?

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important in managing arthritis. Physicians now believe that damage to bones begins within the first two years that a person has the disease. Early diagnosis can decrease symptoms and long-term complications. A person should see a health care professional if symptoms of pain or swelling in multiple joints on both sides of the body develop.