Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Millions of people of all ages suffer from arthritis which literally means, "joint inflammation." There are over a hundred different kinds of arthritis but the three most common forms are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout. Arthritis is a chronic disease that once detected stays the same or very slowly progresses. The disease is symptomized by pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, tendons and connective tissue of the body. There is no known cause of arthritis but there are risk factors that increase the possibility of it developing. There are medications that can be taken or prescribed to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and there are lifestyle choices that can help prevent or slow the development of arthritis.

Causes of Arthritis

Though there are many forms of arthritis, the three most common types are Osteoarthritis, Rhematoid Arthritis and Gout. Osteoarthritis is a wearing down of the cartilage around weight bearing joints, such as the hips or spine. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones actually rub together. This rubbing causes swelling, stiffness and pain at those joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by the immune system of the body attacking the joints and lining of the joints. There is no known reason for this, but the immune system attacks the lining of the joints and this causes swelling in and around the joints. Gout is a condition caused by the body's inability to rid itself of uric acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. The excess acid collects and crystallizes in some joints in the body, most commonly the big toe, knees and wrists.

Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms of arthritis can vary from person to person. Generally, people suffering from arthritis experience swelling, tenderness and redness in the joints. Pain and stiffness in the joints is also common. While no one can be sure whether or not they will get arthritis, there are several risk factors that affect someone developing the disease. The older the person, the more likely they are to develop some form of arthritis, especially Osteoarthritis. Women tend to develop arthritis more than men. Being overweight puts more stress on the body and the incresed weight puts added pressure on the joints, which makes them more prone to osteoarthritis. The work a person does can affect development of arthritis if the job involves heavy lifting or repetitive movements. Another factor that plays into whether or not one will develop arthritis is genetics. If arthritis is hereditary, there is a good chance of a predisposition to it. With proper treatment and care, it is possible to slow or minimize development of arthritis.

Treatments

Many different medications can be taken to help relieve symptoms of arthritis. There are several main categories that these drugs fall into.

Topical Medications - Creams and ointments that can be rubbed onto the skin to help with minor aches and swelling in a few locations.

NSAIDS - Anti-Inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen that reduce swelling and help control pain.

Narcotic Pain Relievers - They only help control pain. They are often combined with NSAIDS to have a more powerful effect.

DMARDS - These drugs work to inhibit the immune systems of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis so that the body does not continue to attack itself.

Steroids - Powerful Anti-Inflammatory medications. These can be taken orally or injected directly into the joints. There can be serious side effects when taking steroids long term.

Chemotherapy Medications- These can be prescribed to a patient suffering from arthritis in lower doses than cancer patients. These drugs slow cell reproduction and lower the inflammatory response in joints.

Gout Medication - These medicines reduce the uric acid in the body to relieve symptoms of gout.

Hyalurnan Injections - This medicine is injected directly into the joint. It is shown to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Biologic Response Modifiers - These are intervenous drugs that are injected to alter the immune systems response of attacking the joints.

These are several different options of treatment for arthritis for patients, but not the only ones. Besides these chemical options, most doctors recommend keeping weight under control, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. There is some evidence that shows Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In order to maintain range of motion and strength in affected joints, physical therapy and occupational therapy is sometimes necessary.

In Closing...

Arthritis is a serious health problem for millions of people of all ages. The disease can come in many forms, but the similarities of it are in the affected joint, pain and swelling. There are many treatments for arthritis, including many different families of drugs and medications. A doctor can help determine the best course of treatment. Living a healthy and active lifestyle will minimize symptoms of arthritis sufferers and may prevent it from developing in others.