BY DIANA DOLAN

Arthritiseffects, treatment & other information

Basics Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, which results in soreness, swelling, stiffness, discomfort, and restricted movement.

It involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint,

allowing for even movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when

pressure is placed on the joint. Without the usual amount of cartilage,

the bones rub together, causing soreness, swelling and stiffness.

Spread or Transmitted?

Arthritis is not spread, nor is it transmitted.

Many researchers believe that arthritis is genetic, explaining why it is possible for small children to develop the disease.

Who is Affected?

Men and women of all ages Most prominent in women 1 out of every 7 people in America has arthritis of some kind Children, as young as infants, can also get autoimmune forms

of arthritis—Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, also known as JRA Many people are under the mistaken impression that arthritis

is a disease only reserved for older, perhaps overweight people, but children are just as susceptible

Etiology

Because arthritis is not caused by an exposure to a virus or bacteria, there is no “incubation period.”

However, it is possible for someone to have arthritis and not even know it, simply dismissing it as everyday joint pain.

Signs Symptoms

Joint swelling, and redness of the skin around a joint

Joint pain, other minor aches and pains, reduced ability to move the joint, stiffness, particularly in the morning, fatigue, and warmth around a joint

Signs v. Symptoms

DiagnosisNo single test or physical finding confirms the diagnosis—many are needed to be positive.

A physical examImaging and laboratory tests

Blood tests and x-rays

Pathophysiology

Arthritis is habitually chronic, lasting long periods of time and often throughout one's life.

Occasionally, however, arthritis goes into what is called remission and does not appear again.

But the opposite is also true; it is possible to go into remission and then later in life develop arthritis again.  

As mentioned earlier, arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joint areas, including knees, wrists, ankles, elbows, fingers and toes.

A person suffering from arthritis is oftentimes in a great deal of pain, either in specific regions or all over the body usually early in the morning, making it difficult to get out of bed.

Prevention

While there is no known prevention for arthritis, there are, naturally, preventative steps to avoiding arthritis.

Appropriate management of arthritis, including weight control, physical activity, adequate rest, and physical therapy, can help people with arthritis stay productive and function normally and can help prevent getting arthritis in the first place.

TREATMENT

Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, and how the condition affects daily activities.

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and discomfort and preventing further disability.

The cause is not necessarily curable, as with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Medications can be prescribed to reduce swelling in the joints in order to relieve pain and prevent or slow down further joint damage.

Occupational and physical therapy can teach patient’s how to protect their joints.

If the joints are severely damaged by arthritis, surgery may be a necessary step.

Live Your LifeWhile arthritis can be disabling and painful, it

is in no way a terminal illness, and with the proper care and attention, one can live a full and happy life with arthritis.

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“ A R T H R I T I S : M E D L I N E P L U S . ” N A T I O N A L L I B R A R Y O F M E D I C I N E - N A T I O N A L I N S T I T U T E S O F H E A LT H . N I H : N A T I O N A L I N S T I T U T E O F A R T H R I T I S A N D M U S C U L O S K E L E T A L A N D S K I N D I S E A S E S , N . D . W E B . 6 O C T. 2 0 1 0 . < H T T P : / / W W W. N L M . N I H . G O V / M E D L I N E P L U S / A R T H R I T I S . H T M L > .

“ W E B M D A R T H R I T I S A N D J O I N T PA I N C E N T E R : S Y M P T O M S , C A U S E S , T E S T S , A N D T R E A T M E N T S . ” W E B M D A R T H R I T I S A N D J O I N T PA I N C E N T E R : S Y M P T O M S , C A U S E S , T E S T S , A N D T R E A T M E N T S . N . P. , N . D . W E B . 1 8 O C T. 2 0 1 0 . < H T T P : / / A R T H R I T I S . W E B M D . C O M / > .

Works Cited