All About Arthritis

Arthritis covers a broad spectrum of disease. Too many, the term arthritis means pain and inflammation of the joints - but, arthritis is a much more complex medical condition. The term arthritis comes from the Latin phrase, “arth” meaning joint and “it is” meaning inflammation. There are over 100 illnesses associated with the term arthritis. Arthritis can range from something as simple as tendonitis to something as chronic as rheumatoid arthritis.

Three Most Common Types of Arthritis
* Osteoarthritis - the most common type of arthritis. This degenerative joint disease affects over 16 million Americans. This form of arthritis is caused when the cartilage surrounding the ends of the bones begins to degenerate and the joints are no longer cushioned. This caused the joints to rub together and in severe cases, you can hear the bones grating against one another. At the onset of osteoarthritis, the symptoms are usually mild and consist of pain and stiffness of the joints. As the disease progresses, inflammation and loss of motion can occur. In some severe cases, deformity can occur if the grinding joints wear one side of the joint more than the other.
* Rheumatoid arthritis - This is the second most common type of arthritis and the most severe. Symptoms usually begin appearing between the ages of 25 and 50 - however, children and senior citizens can experience the onset of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease because factors other than wear and tear of cartilage can cause the disease and the disease can affect other organs, such as the eyes, lungs, and heart.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the joints on both sides of the body - for instance, both hands will be affected, both wrists will be affected, and both legs will be affected. The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, stiffness, swelling, redness of the skin, fatigue, weight loss, and low-grade fever. Not only affecting the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can give you an overall feeling of sickness. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating disease, however patients can experience periods of remission in which the symptoms disappear and they can lead a normal life.
* Fibromyalgia - This is a type of arthritis that does not directly affect the joints. Rather, the inflammation and pain affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues under the skin. Many patients have tender spots under the skin that are painful when any type of pressure is applied. The symptoms for Fibromyalgia include deep muscle pain, fatigue, sleeplessness, and depression. Symptoms may come and go, but the disease is long term and chronic.

Other Types of Arthritis
* Anklyosing Spondylitis - a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the spine. The common symptoms include lower back pain and stiffness that lasts for more than a period of three months, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, weight loss, and low-grade fever.
* Gout - this disease usually affects the joints of the big toe, but can extend to the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbow. The common symptoms are tenderness, pain, redness, warmth, and swelling of the affected joint.
* Infectious Arthritis - this type of arthritis is caused by an infection, and can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections. The onset of infectious arthritis is sudden and the symptoms include swelling of the joint, soreness, warmth, leakage of tissue fluid, fever, and chills.
* Cervical arthritis - this type of arthritis affects the upper back and can cause pain in the neck and arms. Cervical arthritis is caused when the cartilage protecting the discs that support the neck deteriorate. The most common symptom of cervical arthritis is chronic neck pain, but can include loss of balance, headaches, muscle weakness, and stiffness.
* Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - this inflammatory arthritis affects children. The most common symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis are swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints. The symptoms are usually worse in children upon waking in the morning and after a nap. There is no known reason for the onset of arthritis in children and, unlike rheumatoid arthritis in adults, children sometimes outgrow the disease and the symptoms disappear.

Popularity: 55%

Filed under: Types of Arthritis | No Comments »

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections, and for unclear reasons (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). There are many forms of arthritis .There are about 200 different kinds of arthritis. The most common type is osteoarthritis (or degenerative arthritis), where the cartilage that protects the bones gets worn away. This makes joints stiff, painful and creaky. About 5 million people in the UK have osteoarthritis. OA is a chronic degenerative arthropathy that frequently leads to chronic pain and disability. With the aging of our population, this condition is becoming increasing prevalent and its treatment increasingly financially burdensome. Using radiographic criteria, the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the hand have been identified as the joints most commonly affected by OA, but they are the least likely to be symptomatic. Age is the most consistently identified risk factor for OA, regardless of the joint being studied. Prevalence rates for both radiographic OA and, to a lesser extent, symptomatic OA rise steeply after age 50 in men and age 40 in women. Occupation-related repetitive injury and physical trauma contribute to the development of secondary (non-idiopathic) OA, sometimes occurring in joints that are not affected by primary (idiopathic) OA, such as the metacarpophalangeal joints, wrists and ankles.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s defense mechanisms go into action when there’s no threat and start attacking the joints and sometimes other parts of the body. RA affects 2.1 million Americans, or about 1% of the adult population in the United States. This disease is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men, and generally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. However, young children can develop a form of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Two of the 100 types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. There are specific symptoms, distinguishing characteristics, as well as overlapping symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Rheumatoid arthritis is an additive polyarthritis, with the sequential addition of involved joints, in contrast to the migratory or evanescent arthritis of systemic lupus erythematosus or the episodic arthritis of gout. Occasionally, patients experience an explosive polyarticular onset occurring over 24 to 48 hours. Morning stiffness, persisting more than one hour but often lasting several hours, may be a feature of any inflammatory arthritis but is especially characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Its duration is a useful gauge of the inflammatory activity of the disease.
Psoriatic arthritis is related to the skin condition psoriasis. It occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27. There are five clinical patterns of psoriatic arthritis. First is Asymmetrical mono- and oligoarticular arthritis (30-50% of cases) is the most common presentation of psoriatic arthritis. Second is symmetrical polyarticular arthritis (30-50% of cases) is ultimately the most common form of psoriatic arthritis. Third is distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint involvement (25% of cases) is nearly always associated with nail manifestationsm. Fourth is Arthritis mutilans is affects less than 5% of patients and is a severe, deforming and destructive arthritis. This condition can progress over months or years causing severe joint damage. Fifth is Axial arthritis (30-35% of cases) may be different in character from ankylosing spondylitis, the prototypical HLA-B27-associated spondyloarthropathy. It may present as sacro-iliitis, which may be asymmetrical and asymptomatic, or spondylitis, which may occur without sacro-iliitis and may affect any level of the spine in “skip” fashion. Genetic factors appear to play an important role. There is a 70% concordance for psoriasis in monozygotic twins. There is a 50-fold increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis in first-degree relatives of patients with the disease. Environmental factors have been implicated. Streptococcal infection can precipitate the development of guttate psoriasis. HIV infection can present with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as worsen existing disease.

Popularity: 58%

Filed under: Types of Arthritis | No Comments »

An Arthritis Treatment using Massage
There are many different ways to get an arthritis treatment. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to ease the pain of arthritis. This type of arthritis treatment deals with the stiffness that is associated with arthritis. Almost all doctors will recommend regular massage therapy to their patients. Research shows that this type of arthritis treatment will decrease most of the stress hormones and will help with depression. The benefits dealing with this type of arthritis treatment is that it eases the muscle pain, spasms in the joints and the joint tissue. Massage therapy, is an arthritis treatment that releases endorphins that are natural painkillers, which can improve sleep at night and help the immune system function, as it should.

An Arthritis Treatment with Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are both ancient Chinese treatments for pain relief. They are gaining popularity in the United States as a complementary therapy to any arthritis treatment used today. When acupuncture is used as an arthritis treatment, long needles are placed in specific spots throughout the body to stimulate the endorphins. When acupressure is performed, the practitioner uses their fingers in place of the needles for this type of arthritis treatment. This also releases endorphins that have the anti-inflammatory properties that are needed to help with the pain relief.

An Herbs and Supplement for Arthritis Treatment
Herbs and supplements are the natural remedies that more people are turning to for a complementary therapy to an arthritis treatment. Although most people that suffer from arthritis know that there is no real cure for it, do know there are other arthritis treatments, like this one, that will help control the pain and other symptoms by taking a supplement or an extract. This is done in combination with the medications being taken and prescribed by the doctor. It is best to ask questions about this arthritis treatment with your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for their recommendations and opinions.

Prayer and Spirituality for an Arthritis Treatment
In public opinion polls, people have said that prayer or some kind of spirituality is the most common used arthritis treatment of all. Research shows that behavioral medicine can suggest that the interaction of body, mind and the soul will have a very powerful effect on someone dealing with arthritis and health in general. There have been very few scientific studies that have been published that examine the effect of prayer and spirituality, but the studies that have been done on this type of arthritis treatment proves that there is a great benefit to it in dealing with it.

Popularity: 60%

Filed under: Treatment Of Arthritis | No Comments »

An over-whelming part of a Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferer’s life is living with pain. Even though there is no known cure for this chronic condition, there are many treatments available to that offer relief of discomfort.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease that causes the immune system to turn against its own body. Cartilage that acts as a cushion between the joints is attacked by the rheumatoid antibody; it can also interfere with other organs like the heart, lungs or eyes. The affected joints become inflamed, causing pain and the deterioration of the joint cartilage can result in permanent injury and disfigurement.
Reducing inflammation and pain, improving joint mobility and preventing damage is the main goal of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. An overall range of treatment can include medications, exercise, diet, rest and are determined by activity of the disease, age and health of the patient, and the joints that are affected.
There are two classes of Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment medications; ones that deal with pain and inflammation, and ones that help prevent joint damage and put the disease into remission. Medications such aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and cortisone are the “first line” class of drugs that deal with pain and inflammation very quickly. “Second line” medications such as, gold shots, plaquenil or methotrexate, act more slowly.
Not only are there synthetic Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments, there are also natural and dietary supplements that can be very successful. Glucosamine and chondroitin are found in normal joints and can be taken as supplements to aide maintaining healthy cartilage. Calcium has long been known as an important part of healthy bones and vitamin D can help revive energy levels. Sometimes the foods a sufferer is consuming can play a role in how much pain and inflammation is involved. Night shade fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, egg plant, red peppers, and potatoes have been noted to induce inflammation, but not in all sufferers, so it is best to be aware of the foods being eaten and how your body reacts in order to have a better understanding of which foods may trigger pain.
Using hot and cold packs alternatively have long been used to reduce inflammation and promote easy movement of painful joints. Soaking in a hot bath for more than 20 minutes may provide some comfort to aching, stiff joints and muscles. Topical rubs can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy to be applied to affected areas and should be used as instructed by package directions or health professional.
A very important part of Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment is keeping an open honest relationship with your health care professional team. They should be considered and consulted before any new therapy or medication is administered in order to give the best advice possible. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be a crippling disease, but by informing oneself and taking immediate action, a long, happy and healthy life can be lived.

Popularity: 62%

Filed under: Treatment Of Arthritis | No Comments »

Feeling a little itchy, inflamed and stiff in the joints? If you feel that your condition adheres to the aforementioned characteristics, then it is possible that you may be suffering from arthritis. You are just one of the millions of people around the world who are infected with this condition.
Arthritis involves pain, swelling, and inflammation of joints which results from infections, metabolic disturbances or other causes. Fluctuating pain and stiffness follow and can get worse during occasional flare-ups. Many people who are affected by this condition regularly complain of flu- like symptoms such as tiredness and depression. Therefore it is essential to treat this condition before it gets onto the next stage and halt it in its tracks.
The technique of acupuncture has been used for centuries by the Chinese. It is based on the theory that inserting hair-fine needles along certain energy lines can help stimulate energy flow. It is believed by scientists that the insertion causes the nervous system to release endogenous, which acts as pain-relieving chemicals. This can therefore help in reducing pain.
Alexander technique involves analyzing whole body patterns, rather then a certain part of the body which contains the symptom. It is a way of teaching improved stance to help people stand and move more efficiently. It is designed to help us maneuver in a better way and eliminate tension which is responsible for many ailments in the body which rambles on to give a greater effect during old age.
Aromatherapy is a technique similar to that of massage. It involves the use of extracted oil from flowers, plants and trees, and using it in combination with massage, baths and steam inhalation. The right mixture of essential oils can provide a number of benefits. It helps in relaxation, pain relief and decreasing tiredness.
Chiropractic has long been used to give relief from symptoms of arthritis. This technique aims to increase the mobility and relieve the body of tension and stress by adjusting the joints of the spins and the limbs, which demonstrates constrained movement.
Homeopathy has its roots in history. Developed in the 18 century, it’s a system of remedies based on the belief that taking tiny amount of natural substances to stimulate body own defenses against arthritis. It basically involves taking the whole body into account rather then a specific region.
Osteopathy is a method to treat arthritis which includes the manipulation of the body to restore normal action and decrease pain. This methods cant reverse profound damage done to the joints but can help in improving mobility. However this treatment is not recommended for those suffering from osteoporosis or inflamed joints.
Reflexology has been an ancient technique used by the early Egyptians and Chinese. It involves massage to the feet and the palm of the hand to help improve the state of the rest of the body. When massage will be applied to the feet or palm of the hand, it will generate a warm and comforting sensation. This is an ideal method for stress management and overall health maintenance; factors that cause arthritis.
The practice of yoga has been used for a variety of conditions. It involves a combination of breathing exercises and relaxation to cope with daily stress and help in circulation and movement of joints.
The aforementioned techniques have been the most common natural arthritis treatments. However before any of theses techniques are implemented, it is essential to see your nearest doctor to analyze your state and then use these techniques. This is because each arthritis patient will have requirements that need to be addressed individually.

Popularity: 59%

Filed under: Treatment Of Arthritis | No Comments »