Arthritis

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Article 1: Overview of Arthritis

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 Article 2: Arthritis Information for the Patient  

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Article 1: Overview of Arthritis

   Arthritis is a general term that refers to over a hundred different types of joint inflammation. This joint inflammation causes swelling, pain and stiffness. If the disease lasts long or occurs repeatedly, it can lead to tissue damage. The typical signs of arthritis are swelling of the joint that is warm to the touch, pain, tenderness, stiffness, redness and loss of function. Arthritis is not always limited to the joints of the body and can affect soft tissues and internal organs.

   In the joint, inflammation causes damage to the cartilage and synovial lining. When the cartilage is warn down, the space in the joint becomes smaller and the bones may rub together. Damage to the synovial lining cause synovial fluid to leak and produce fluid in the joint lining. This adds to the swelling along with the inflammatory response of the body. If the joint lining continues to grow, it can permanently damage the bone. All of this causes pain, swelling and distress for the patient.

   The three most common types of arthritis are:

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Article 2: Arthritis Information for the Patient 

   Arthritis is caused by inflammation inside the joints of the body. Arthritis is very common and affects almost a third of the American population. There are many types of arthritis and in general the causes are still unknown. However, there are some risk factors for arthritis. These may include age, gender, lifestyle factors, and being overweight. With age, the cartilage in the joints wears down causing the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis. Arthritis also occurs more often in women than men. Work conditions that require heavy lifting and being overweight cause heavy stress on the joints of the body.

   Some common symptoms of arthritis are redness, joint pain, swelling, warmth around the joint, and stiffness. To diagnose arthritis a variety of blood tests and x-rays may be necessary. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and treatment may vary depending on the type of arthritis the patient has.

   Treatment for arthritis generally involves pain management, exercise and relaxation. The goals of arthritis treatment are to avoid pain and further destruction of the joint. One way is to avoid activities that cause pain. When the joint becomes painful, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication should be taken to relieve the pain and swelling. A physical therapist can advise exercise routines that help maintain joint mobility. Lastly, the patient should use braces, splints and supporters to help support the joints especially during strenuous activities.  Surgery to correct the joint damage may also be an option. 

   Treatment will vary with the type of arthritis and the patient.  Factors to take under consideration are age, current medications, overall health and medical history.

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