Arthritis Defined
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, and it
can affect joints in any part of the body. 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./ There are more
than 100 different types of arthritis.
Here is more information on the most prevalent types:
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older people. The disease is rare among people under age 45, but at 65, at least half of all people will show signs of osteoarthritis on X-rays. Most will not develop significant pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away. In some cases, all of the cartilage may wear away, leaving bones that rub up against each other. Symptoms range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes to severe joint pain. Osteoarthritis affects hands, low back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet. Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among older adults. The disease affects both men and women. Before age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in men than in women. After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in women. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include older age, being overweight, certain jobs, and family history.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis not only affects the joints, but may also attack tissue in the skin, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels. People with rheumatoid arthritis may feel sick, tired, and sometimes feverish. Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. Rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. This means that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is, too. It can occur at any age, but usually begins during a person's most productive years. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs much more frequently in women than in men. About two to three times as many women as men have the disease.
Gout
Gout is a disease that causes the sudden onset of intense pain and swelling in the joints, which also may be warm and red. Attacks frequently occur at night and can be triggered by stressful events, alcohol or drugs, or the presence of another illness.
Arthritis Prevention
No one knows what causes arthritis, though scientists have uncovered a host of clues. We do know that it can run in families and that it's almost three times more common in women than men. Something can be done to manage most forms of arthritis.
Arthritis Treatments
There is no single treatment that works for everyone, and you may need a range of treatments. Most therapies work best when started early in the disease process. Surgery can work very well, but it doesn't work for everyone. Anxiety and depression can make your pain worse. Exercising regularly, staying optimistic, and seeing friends and family can all reduce pain and stiffness. For some people, a simple painkiller like acetaminophen (Tylenol) works as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has fewer side effects. Research shows that if you learn about arthritis and get involved in your treatment decisions, your condition is more likely to improve. This is because treatments can be tailored to your needs.
Arthritis can become just a part of your life, not your whole life.
