arthritis

Arthritis - Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
 

Arthritis - Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis


Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not just one disease. It is actually a complex disorder, comprising more than a hundred different conditions. It can affect any person at any stage of his life, whether he is generally healthy or suffering from some other form of degenerative disorder.

The most common forms of this disorder are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, each having very different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body, but the same common symptom: persistent pain in the joints.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative arthritis, is a condition where pain occurs in the joints due to low grade inflammation. The cause is normally attributed to the wearing and tearing of the cartilage (hence it's more colloquial name "wear and tear"). The cartilage is that piece of tissue that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints. As the cartilage wears down, the bone surfaces between joints become less well protected, resulting in pain on the patient, particularly upon weight bearing, such as walking and standing.

To avoid the pain, a patient may decrease his movements. However, this (the decreased movements) may indirectly result in certain conditions of the regional muscles, such as atrophy and lax ligaments.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 21 million people in the United States. That accounts for 25% of visits to primary care physicians and half of an NSAID, or Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, prescriptions.

A Green 2001 health report has revealed that an estimated 80% of the population will have shown signs of osteoarthritis by age 65, evidenced by radiographic test. However, the same report said that only 60% will be symptomatic.

Because the primary problem with osteoarthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage, which cannot ever grow back, there is unfortunately no cure for the condition. Treatment consists of NSAIDs, local glucocorticoid injections, and in severe cases, with joint replacement surgery. The goal is not to cure the disorder, which is irreversible, but to reduce the joint pain, and in that regard, science has no shortage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The other form of arthritis, less common than OA, is rheumatoid arthritis or RA. It is a chronic, inflammatory auto immune disorder where the body's own immune system attacks the joints. Because of pain and joint destruction as a result of this condition, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to substantial loss of mobility as well as affect many extra articular tissues of the body, such as the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles.

The treatment approach for this form of arthritis is different from OA. In osteoarthritis, the goal is to reduce the pain, in rheumatoid arthritis, there is actually a treatment that could halt disease progression.

There are two approaches: one is the disease modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDs, and anti inflammatory agents and analgesics. The former is responsible for producing durable remissions and delay or even halting the disease from progressing. The latter only treats the pain resulting from the disorder.

To determine what form of arthritis a patient suffers, X rays and blood tests are often performed on the affected joints. The type can be distinguished by the pace of the onset, the age and sex of the patient, the amount of joints affected, and additional symptoms like psoriasis, iridocyclitis, rheumatoid nodules, and Raynaud's phenomenon - all of which can be shown through blood testing and X ray.

Arthritis - Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Related Articles
 

  • Arthritis - Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Painful and swollen joints are a common warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by muscle pain, extreme fatigue, redness and warmth at the joints, even a low grade fever and appetite loss. Osteoarthritis commonly begins in one joint and typically only affects the one joint. Though typically thought to be an affliction of the aging, arthritis can affect anyone at any time, and with all of the different forms, each with their own symptoms, it could be hard to determine just what type of arthritis an individual is suffering from.

  • Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief
    However, with a doctor's approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis. Vitamin E - This arthritis antioxidant is used primarily for osteoarthritis. Cayenne Cream - Cayenne peppers contain an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect.

  • Is Heat or Ice Better for Arthritis Pain?
    Most packs can be frozen or heated; buy two. Siegrist strives to bridge the gaps that exist in today's doctor-patient relationship with "Information Therapy!" Complete information about Dr. Heat opens up the areas arthritis blood vessels, improving the flow. When trying to find relief from your daily arthritis pain, you cant go wrong by experimenting here!

  • Arthritis - Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Walking is arthritis the best exercise, and riding a stationary exercise bicycle or doing aquatic exercises is also helpful. Exercise should be done in moderation and you should consult a doctor if you experience excessive pain. Another option is tai chi for strengthening and relaxation techniques and improving balance.

  • Natural Arthritis Medication to the Rescue!
    Copyright 2005 Wendy arthritis Owen About The Author Wendy Owen is a natural health writer and researcher. Unfortunately some side effects will only show up in time. Acupuncture involves the use of needles to stimulate energy centres in the body for effective pain relief.

  • 5 Tips for Dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
    Consider this; there is about 30 pound of force placed on the knees for each ten pounds of weight arthritis that is being carried. 4- Some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers find that applying hot or cold compresses can help to alleviate some of the pain that is associated with their condition. Therefore, the ability to lose ten pounds will effectively result in 30 pounds of force being lifted from the knee. Don't be one of those people, ask your doctor, ask friends, do research, learn as much as you can about rheumatoid arthritis so that you can better deal with it.

  • Relieving Your Ache Joints and Arthritis -- are there Options?
    Phosoplex is developed by Optimal Therapeutics arthritis and can be obtained at Amazon.com or at www.BODeStore.com. Cluett explains "osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. Even after his knee healed Ricky experienced stiffness and discomfort with strenuous running exercises.

  • Cat Arthritis
    Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names. But, if it involves a fracture then the pain can last a longer time and may even need surgery to heal the fracture or dislocation. Osteoarthritis arthritis is when a joint just quits working properly and new bone is growing around the joint. Talk with your veterinarian if you do believe that your cat does have a type of cat arthritis.

  • Arthritis - Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Despite these debates, the American Journal of the American Medical Association has considered glucosamine effective when promoting cartilage formation for arthritis your joint health. These articles may be of further benefit as you search relief for your arthritic pain. Http://tinyurl.com/68zll Read the product information sheet:. Further relief comes from Boswellia serrata, used in India for centuries as a proven pain reliever.

Navigation