What is Arthritis?
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, and it can affect joints in any
part of the body. Joints are places in the body where two bones meet. Many
people use the term arthritis to refer to rheumatic diseases; however, the
different kinds of arthritis comprise just a portion of the rheumatic diseases.
Arthritis is often a chronic disease, which means that it can affect you over a
long period of time. Many forms of arthritis cause swelling, redness, heat, and
pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes the various forms of
arthritis. They are studying risk factors to determine why some people develop
the disease and others do not. Scientists have some understanding of the factors
that cause osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. These are the three
most common forms of arthritis among older adults.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, people with
most forms of arthritis have pain and stiffness in their joints. To make a
diagnosis, most doctors use a combination of methods and tests including a
medical history, a physical examination, x rays, and laboratory tests.
It is important for people with joint pain to give the doctor a complete medical
history. Answering these questions will help your doctor make an accurate
diagnosis:
1. Is the pain in one or more joints?
2. When does the pain occur and how long does it last?
3. When did you first notice the pain?
4. Does activity make the pain better or worse?
5. Have you had any illnesses or accidents that may account for the pain?
6. Is there a family history of any arthritis or rheumatic diseases?
7. What medicines are you taking?
Treatment and Research
Although there is no cure for most forms of arthritis, various therapies can
help patients manage symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. The
choice of treatment depends on the type of arthritis, the severity of symptoms,
the patient's general health, and other factors.
Related Arthritis Articles:
A Fresh Start Plan for People With Neck Pain! - “If you have to deal with chronic neck pain, it can be a real struggle. I know… because I’ve had to do it myself,” states Dr. Nathan Wei, a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of The Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland.< ...
Suffering From Osteoarthritis Pain? Natural Relief Is Available - It is clearly evident that hyaluronic acid in its oral form supports optimal joint health. The reality of the situation is that after 65 years of age approximately 30 percent of all doctor visits will be related to pain caused by osteoarthritis. This ...
Vioxx: Valid Concerns - The FDA approved Vioxx in 1999. It was intended to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis as well as menstrual pains. Afterwards, the FDA approved Vioxx for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The drug, which is a once-daily pil ...
Improve Your Eating Habits To Save Money On Prescriptions! - Do you like the arthritis pain relief you get from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills (like ibuprofen)? But do they “bother your stomach”? Take an honest assessment of your eating habits. Think about your diet before you declare the cheaper ...
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