Septic Arthritis

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. Continue Reading »

Arthritis – Effective Treatment

Arthritis is an inflammatory and painful condition of joints that most people suffer from across the globe. Most people are under a notion that there is no treatment for arthritis once it has occurred. Even medical experts have claimed that there is no effective treatment available for arthritis once it strikes. There are several medications topical creams and oils available for relieving the symptoms of arthritis.

However, a recent research and medical claims have proved that arthritis can be effectively treated. In fact, there are several exercises and medicines available on the market, these days for treating arthritis. If you are not aware of the treatment options available for arthritis, here is detailed information on all types of treatment options that can be opted for treating different types of arthritis.

Most of the medications for arthritis aim towards reducing the arthritis symptoms, delaying the progression of the disease, preventing joint damage, reducing deformities, preserving mobility, reducing deforming chances and preserving range of motion.

People who observe early symptoms of arthritis usually like to go for over the counter or not prescription medication such as topical creams, traditional methods such as massages, ice, heat and pain relief medicines without consulting a medical expert.

Medical experts feel that if a joint pain, swelling or stiffness persists for more than two weeks, you must rush for medical help. It is only a doctor who will diagnose arthritis. Remember that an accurate diagnosis it is very important to initiate the right treatment.

Visit a rheumatologist or an arthritis specialist who will prescribe you the best treatment options after analyzing your condition.

Some common drugs used to treat arthritis:

- COX-2 Inhibitors

- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

- Pain medication or analgesics

- Corticosteroids

- DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)

- Biologic response modifiers or biologies

It is important to ask your doctor for prescriptions of medication for arthritis rather than deciding one on your own. Continue Reading »

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is termed as a chronic disease. It is common among most people across the globe. The disease is usually characterized via inflammation of the skin and joints. The inflammation of the skin is medically termed as psoriasis and inflammation of the joints is known as arthritis.

This disease is very common among people between the ages of 40 and 60. Both males and females are affected equally by this disease. It is believed that the skin disease or psoriasis occur separately from the joint pain or the arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis can be referred to as a systemic rheumatic disease that has the potential to result in the body tissue inflammation. It may also affect other parts of the body such as the heart, eyes, kidneys and lungs.

This type of arthritis usually share several features with the arthritis of other types including reactive arthritis, arthritis related to Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis related to ulcerative colitis.

Almost all these conditions may result in inflammation in the spine as well as other joints. The inflammation can also occur in the eyes, mouth, skin and several other organs.

A) Causes of this type of arthritis

There are several causes associated to this type of arthritis. However, the exact cause of this disease is unknown. It is believed that a blend of several genetic and immune factors in conjunction with several environmental factors is responsible for the occurrence of this disease. Patients suffering from this disease may suffer from inflammation of the skin. Certain genes such as HLA-B27 are responsible for the occurrence of this disease.

Several other genes have also been found responsible for this disease. Medical experts feel that some changes occurring in the immune system may play a significant role in developing psoriatic arthritis. Exposure to infection and changes in the environment are also responsible for this disease to occur.

B) Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

If you want to treat a disease, it is extremely important to know about it at an early stage. This is the best way to rush for medical help and get the best of treatment available. Continue Reading »