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Archive for the ‘Arthritis’ Category

Osteoarthritis is considered as a degenerative joint disease. It seems to be related to wear and tear put on joints over a long period. Osteoarthritis is mostly related to joints which are weight bearing such as knees, hips and spines. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.

In normal joints ends of bones are covered by cartilage, which is a firm, rubbery and flexible material. Cartilage covering prevents the bones to rub against each other directly and allows joint to do its work smoothly.

Ligaments, which act as elastic bonds, keep the bones in place. Synovial fluid lubricates the joints and nourishes the cartilage.

When the cartilage loses its elasticity it becomes stiff and gradually its condition deteriorates. Cartilage may wear away in some areas. When the cartilage becomes damaged, ligaments and tendons become stretched.  The damaged cartilage no longer acts as shock absorber. Due to loss of cartilage cushion the bones rub against each other directly causing severe pain.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

1) Joint stiffness and joint pain – Joint may be stiff. Pain in joint may be felt with least movement. In the morning joint stiffness may last for thirty minutes. It may improve with movement.
2) Joint symptoms worsen after exercise. Increase in joint pain in cold or damp weather.
3) Loss of flexibility and limited mobility of joints.
4) Joint pain worsens after a period of inactivity.
5) Joint Swelling (effusion).

Author: Surya Narayan Bhattacharya

Arthritis is a disease in which joints of a person are inflamed, swollen and stiff. It is painful and chronic. It is not just a single disease; it includes a group of disorders that affect a person’s joints and muscles.

Persons having arthritis feel difficulty in movement, bending or using their hands. They feel pain in joints. Pain can sometimes be severe.

There are various forms of arthritis. Most common forms are –

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Infectious Arthritis (Septic Arthritis)
Gout

Rheumatoid arthritis: – Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious and inflammatory type of Arthritis which affects finger joints, hips, knees, feet, wrists, tendons, muscles etc. In this type of arthritis the synovial membrane is attached which causes swelling and pain. If not treated for long time then it can lead to deformity.

People of age group between 40 and 50 are generally affected by this type of arthritis. This form of arthritis is more common in women then men.

 Osteoarthritis: – Osteoarthritis is considered as a degenerative joint ailment resulting from the damage of cartilage and direct rubbing of bones against each other. 

Infectious arthritis (Septic arthritis): – A person acquires this type of arthritis due to infection in the tissues of a joint and the synovial fluid (which nourishes the joint and the cartilage) either by bacteria or by fungi or viruses.

Gout: – When there is excess uric acid in blood stream then uric acid is deposited in spaces between the joints causing inflammation, swelling and pain. Though it occurs most commonly in toes yet it can affect other parts of body like thumb, knee, elbow etc. 
 

Symptoms

1) the patient feels tenderness, sharp pain in joints.

2) The patient might have swelling and inflammation in joints.

3) The patient might have a fever also.

Risk Factors

1) Age factor- Arthritis generally occurs in the older age group.
2) Obesity – Osteoarthritis type of arthritis is associated with obesity.
3) Gender / hormone factor – Arthritis is most common in women than men.
4) Nutrient deficiency.
5) Environment factor – Persons living for a long time in dump and cold climate have chances of acquiring arthritis.
6) Joint injuries.

Author: Surya Narayan Bhattacharya

Septic Arthritis is also known as infections arthritis or pyogenic arthritis. This disease is not known to most people across the globe. However, one must be aware of this disease, its symptoms, causes and treatment as it is a serious infections that can hit the joints. It can result into severe pain, chills, swelling and inflammation in one or more joints. In severe cases this can also result in loss of function in the affected joints.

In medical terms, septic arthritis has also been considered as a medical emergency. This is because it tends to cause severe damage to the bones and cartilages. It is also capable of resulting in to a septic shock. This is a fatal condition!

If you are already shocked by now, don’t panic. Just read on and learn more about this deadly disease in order to provide timely medical assistance and saving yourself or your loved ones from the hazards of this fatal disease.

1) People vulnerable to this disease

This type of arthritis can strike people of any age group; even infants can suffer from this disease. When it comes to adults, this disease mainly affects the joints that bear weight such as the knee. In children, the disease mainly attacked the hips, knees and shoulders. When it comes to genre that’s at maximum risk to get affected from this disease, male homosexuals and women are the main targets.

2) Causes of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis can majorly affect a person when certain type of infections organisms such as a bacteria reaches a joint. This bacteria can easily get in to a joint via the blood stream or surgery. An injection or injury can also be a main cause of this type of infection.

If this type of arthritis has affected a baby or young child, then it can be because of hemophilus influenza, staphylococci and gram negative bacilli.

People who use intravenous drugs or with diseases that have potential for weakening the immune system such as HIV are also vulnerable to septic arthritis.

3) Symptoms of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is usually characterized by swelling in the joint, severe or acute pain in the affected area, fever and chills. When this arthritis affects the hip, you may experience pain in the groin area. The pain becomes worse and the patient is unable to walk. The joint is sore to touch. Newborns or infants experience painful movement of the limb and cries when the diaper is changed or gets fever. Read the rest of this entry »