as of September 6, 2010
Arthritis Corner
OVERVIEW
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of chronic arthritis and is more likely to occur as you age. You may feel it in any of your joints, but most commonly in your hips, knees or fingers.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:
-Being overweight
-Previously injuring the affected joint
-Using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on the joint (baseball players, ballet dancers, and construction workers are all at risk)
Arthritis can occur in men and women of all ages. About 37 million people in America have arthritis of some kind, which is almost 1 out of every 7 people.
SYMPTOMS
If you have arthritis, you may experience:
-Joint pain
-Joint swelling
-Stiffness, especially in the morning
-Warmth around a joint
-Redness of the skin around a joint
-Reduced ability to move the joint
CARE/TREATMENT
Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Your age and occupation will also be taken into consideration when your doctor works with you to create a treatment plan.
If possible, treatment will focus on eliminating the underlying cause of the arthritis. However, the cause is NOT necessarily curable, as with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment, therefore, aims at reducing your pain and discomfort and preventing further disability.
It is possible to greatly improve your symptoms from osteoarthritis and other long-term types of arthritis without medications. In fact, making lifestyle changes without medications is preferable for osteoarthritis and other forms of joint inflammation. If needed, medications should be used in addition to lifestyle changes.
PREVENTION
If arthritis is diagnosed and treated early, you can prevent joint damage. Find out if you have a family history of arthritis and share this information with your doctor, even if you have no joint symptoms.
Osteoarthritis may be more likely to develop if you abuse your joints (injure them many times or over-use them while injured). Take care not to overwork a damaged or sore joint. Similarly, avoid excessive repetitive motions.
Excess weight also increases the risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. See the article on body mass index to learn whether your weight is healthy.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Arthritis
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In the News: Arthritis
Canine Hip Dysplasia May Be Underreported, According To Penn Vet Comparative Study
Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3JhT
A study comparing a University of Pennsylvania method for evaluating a dog's susceptibility to hip dysplasia to the traditional American method has shown that 80 percent of dogs judged to be normal by the traditional method are actually at risk for developing osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, according to the Penn method...
Self Care's Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Campaign Wins Top Award
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3JgZ
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Self Care Program has won Australia's leading health promotion award for its rheumatoid arthritis campaign. The Australian Journal of Pharmacy Award for the Best Health Promotion of the Year was last night presented to the Self Care campaign...