Orcee

Posts Tagged ‘Arthritis’

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

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. Read the rest of this entry »

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. Read the rest of this entry »