ARTHRITIS - (Joint pains)


What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people of any age and sex. The disease affects about twice as many women as men.

Arthritis would literally mean inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most important forms in which arthritis presents itself.

These two forms have very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, yet they often share a common symptom—persistent joint pain. The joint pain of arthritis can appear as pain in any of the joints like hip pain, knee pain, hand pain, or wrist pain, as well as joint pain in other areas of the body. Osteoarthritis largely affects older people, and results from the degeneration of joint cartilage. On the other hand rheumatoid arthritis being an autoimmune disease can affect a person of any age.

Arthritic joints can be sensitive to weather changes. The increased sensitivity is thought to be caused by the affected joints developing extra nerve endings in an attempt to protect the joint from further damage.

How do I know if I have arthritis?
If you have joint pain, stiffness and/or swelling for more than 2 weeks, you may have arthritis. Make an appointment with the doctor. He will tell you whether or not you are suffering from arthritis.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Your treatments will probably change over time and medication may be adjusted. Having a positive mental outlook and the support of family and friends will help you live with arthritis and be able to continue to perform your daily activities.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Tell me more about the diagnosis?
The first step in the diagnosis of arthritis is a meeting between the doctor and the patient. The history of symptoms, examination of the joints for inflammation and deformity, as well as questions about or examination of other parts of the body for inflammation or signs of diseases that can affect other body areas is done. The diagnosis will be based on the pattern of symptoms, the distribution of the inflamed joints, and any blood and x-ray findings. The complete diagnosis might take some time.Earlier and accurate diagnosis can help to prevent irreversible damage and disability. Properly guided programs of exercise and rest, medications, physical therapy, and surgery options can idealize long-term outcomes for arthritis patients The various types of arthritis can be distinguished by the pace of onset, the age and sex of the patient, the amount of (and which) joints affected, additional symptoms such as psoriasis, iridocyclitis, raynaud's phenomenon, rheumatoid nodules, and other clues. Blood tests and X-rays of the affected joints often are performed to make the diagnosis. X-rays can show erosions or bone appositions. Joint fluid and urine might also be examined Screening blood tests: full blood count, electrolytes, renal function, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphate, protein electrophoresis, C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Specific tests are the rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF), extractable nuclear antigen and specific antibodies whenever the ANF is positive.

RA And Sex
Rheumatoid arthritis substantially diminishes the sex lives of more than three in 10 RA patients, according to a new study. The researchers studied survey data from 1,041 Oslo RA patients:78% were women. RA is more common among women than men. Ages ranged from 20 to 91 (Avg 58 years). Average time since RA diagnosis was 13 years. Most RA patients reported little or no health impact on their sexual activity. However, a sizeable minority -- more than three in ten -- noted at least considerable health-related problems with sex.Of those answering the sex-and-health question:31% reported no impact on sexual activity 38% said there was little impact 21% complained of considerable impact 3% said sexual activity was almost impossible 7% said sexual activity was impossible Relatively few men took the survey, but they were more likely than women to report a big health impact (considerable or more) on sexual activity. Forty percent of men complained of a big impact, compared to nearly 28% of women.

TWO forms of arthritis are of primary importance.
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane that protects and lubricates your joints becomes inflamed, causing pain and swelling. Joint erosion may follow.Osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and may affect any joint in your body, including those in your fingers, hips, knees, lower back and feet. Initially osteoarthritis may strike only one joint. But if your fingers are affected, multiple hand joints may become arthritic.

Causes of osteoarthritis
With osteoarthritis the problem lies in the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints. Over time, the cartilage deteriorates, and its smooth surface roughens. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone — causing the ends of your bones to become damaged and your joints to become painful.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis
It is a disease which has an extremely slow rate of progression and common symptoms include
1. Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity
2. Discomfort in a joint before or during a change in the weather
3. Swelling and stiffness in a joint, particularly after using it
4. Bony lumps on the middle or end joints of your fingers or the base of your thumb
5. Loss of joint flexibility

Complications
The major complication of osteoarthritis is pain. The degree of pain can vary greatly, from being a mild inconvenience to being debilitating. Although arthritis doesn't go away, for many people the acute pain of early osteoarthritis often diminishes within a year. However, it can return if you overuse affected joints. Your doctor can help you determine how to adjust your activities to reduce stress on those joints. People with very painful osteoarthritic joints may require joint replacement surgery for pain relief.

Will the treatment cure me?
There's no cure for osteoarthritis, but the treatments at JDCC can relieve pain and help you remain active. In addition, how well you live with osteoarthritis often depends on your behaviors and attitude. If you actively manage your osteoarthritis, you may be able to gain control over your pain. For more information talk to a doctor.