Tag Archives: Arthritis

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The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation (“arthr-” means joint; “-itis” means inflammation). It refers to more than 100 different diseases. These diseases usually affect the area in or around joints such as muscles and tendons. Some of these diseases can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin and internal organs. There are many types of arthritis. Most forms of arthritis are chronic which means they may last a lifetime.

Nearly 40 million Americans, or one in every seven people have arthritis. It affects people of all ages, but it most often comes on as a person gets older.

Arthritis usually causes stiffness, pain and fatigue. The severity varies from person to person and even from day to day. In some people only a few joints are affected and the impact may be small. In other people the entire body system may be affected. The joints of the body are the site of much of the action in arthritis. Many types of arthritis show signs of joint inflammation: swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness or warmth. These joint symptoms may be accompanied by weight loss, fever or weakness.

When these symptoms last for more than two weeks, inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis may be the cause. Joint inflammation may also be caused by an infection, which can lead to septic arthritis. Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is the most common type of arthritis; joint inflammation is not a prominent feature of this condition. While normal joints can support a vast amount of use, mechanical abnormalities of a joint make it susceptible to degeneration.

It is healthy for you to keep active and move your joints. If you do not move a joint regularly, the muscles around it weaken and/or become tight. The joint can stiffen or even freeze. When you do try to move the joint and muscles hurt because they have been still for so long.

Many things affect how your joints and muscles feel. Pain may be caused by swelling, joint damage, muscle tightness or spasm. Muscles hurt after doing exercise or activities you aren’t used to; sometimes when the joint is damaged simple activities stress the joint.

When your joints are inflamed or damaged, you need to take certain precautions as you do all your daily activities. Your doctor or therapist can teach you exercises and the correct use of heat and cold to decrease pain. You can also learn how to use your body with the least stress to your joints for less pain, easier movement and even more energy. Arthritis can make it hard to do the movements you rely on every day for work or taking care of your family.

Numbness is often a symptom of nerve involvement. For instance, numbness in the arm may be related to nerve irritation in the neck. In such a situation, turning or bending the head to the involved side may increase the symptoms. For example, a pinched nerve in the right side of the neck may cause numbness in the arm and hand when a person attempts to look back over the right shoulder. If nerve irritation becomes more severe, the arm and hand may become weak. A physical examination X-rays and an MRI of the neck and electrodiagnostic tests may be useful in establishing the diagnosis.

Joints can make different noises–some are serious and some are not. Some people learn how to “pop their knuckles.” By pushing or pulling a joint in a certain way an air bubble can suddenly appear in the joint with a “pop.” Once the bubble is there the joint cannot be popped again until the air has been reabsorbed. Some joints crack as the ligaments and tendons that pass over them slide past bumps on the bones. Individuals who “crack their neck” make noise in this way. Other joints lock up intermittently–often with a loud pop–because something gets caught in between the joint surfaces. A torn cartilage in the knee or a loose piece of bone or cartilage in the joint can do this. Once a joint is stuck in this way, it may need to be wiggled around to unlock it. This may also cause a pop.

Finally, joints that are arthritic may crack and grind. These noises usually occur each time the joint is moved. This noise is due to the roughness of the joint surface due to loss of the smooth cartilage.

There is no evidence that cracking one’s knuckles can cause arthritis directly. However, repeated injury of a joint or repeatedly causing it to swell can injure the cartilage and potentially lead to degenerative joint disease.

Pain from arthritis can be ongoing or can come and go. It may occur when you’re moving or after you have been still for some time. You may feel pain in one spot or in many parts of your body.

Your joints may feel stiff and be hard to move. You may find that it’s hard to do daily tasks you used to do easily, such as climbing stairs or opening a jar. Pain and stiffness may be more severe during certain times of the day or after you’ve done certain tasks.

Some types of arthritis cause swelling or inflammation. The skin over the joint may appear swollen and red and feel hot to the touch. Some types of arthritis can also cause fatigue.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. What causes most types is unknown. Because there are so many different types there are likely to be many different causes.

Scientists are currently researching what roles three major factors play in certain types of arthritis. These include the genetic factors you inherit from your parents, what happens to you during your life and how you live. The importance of these factors varies for every type of arthritis.

It’s important to find out if you have arthritis and what type it is because treatments vary for each type. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help slow or prevent joint damage that can occur during the first few years for several types.

Only a doctor can tell if you have arthritis and what type it is. When you see your doctor for the first time about arthritis, expect at least three things to happen. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, examine you and take some tests or X-rays. You can help your doctor by writing down information about your symptoms before your appointment. Bring your answers when you see your doctor.

Arthritis may limit how far or how easily you can move a joint. Your doctor may move the joint that hurts or ask you to move it. This is to see how far the joint moves through its normal range of motion. Your doctor may also check for swelling, tender points, skin rashes or problems with other parts of your body.

Finally, your doctor may conduct some laboratory tests. These may include tests of your blood, muscles, urine or joint fluid. They also may include X-rays or scans of your body. The tests will depend on what type of arthritis your doctor suspects. They help confirm what type of arthritis your doctor suspects based on your medical history and physical exam and help rule out other diseases that cause similar symptoms.

The overall results from your medical history, physical exam and tests help your doctor match your symptoms to the pattern for a specific type of arthritis. It may take several visits before your doctor can tell what type of arthritis you have. Symptoms for some types of arthritis develop slowly and may appear similar to other types in early stages. Your doctor may suspect a certain type of arthritis, but may watch how your symptoms develop over time to confirm it.

Part of your treatment plan may involve working with different healthcare specialists. Some common healthcare professionals and their role in your treatment are described below. Most doctors make referrals to one of a group of health professionals with whom they work. But you too can ask your doctor to request medical services you think might help you.

Your family doctor may be an excellent source of medical care for your arthritis. Besides having your medication records, your family doctor already has your medical history, is familiar with your general physical health and knows of any past illnesses or injuries. All these facts will give your family doctor a head start in prescribing a treatment plan most suited to your needs.

If your arthritis affects many joints or other parts of the body or seems resistant to treatment, you may benefit from seeing a rheumatologist. This is a doctor with special training and experience in the field of arthritis. Your family doctor, the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation or the county medical society can refer you to a rheumatologist. You can also search for a rheumatologist on the American College of Rheumatology website.

Family physicians and general practitioners provide medical care for adults and for children with different types of arthritis. These doctors also can help you find a specialist if necessary. Internists specialize in internal medicine and in the treatment of adult diseases. They provide general care to adults and often help select specialists. Internists should not be confused with interns who are doctors doing a year’s training in a hospital after graduating from medical school.

Rheumatologists and orthopedists specialize in treating people with arthritis or related diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, skin and other tissues. Most rheumatologists are internists who have had further training in the care of people with arthritis and related diseases. Some rheumatologists also have training in pediatrics. Orthopedists can offer treatment methods, including surgery. Physiatrists are doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They may be asked to evaluate your conditions and may direct or prescribe your physical therapy and rehabilitation. Podiatrists are experts in foot care. If arthritis affects your fee,a podiatrist can prescribe special supports and shoes.

Nurses trained in arthritis care assist your doctor with your treatment. They also help teach you about your treatment program and can answer many of your questions. Nurses also provide care during hospitalization. Occupational therapists can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints while doing everyday activities. They can teach you how to manage stress more effectively, recommend and show you how to use self-help devices, suggest ways to make everyday and work activities easier and teach you how to reduce strain on your joints and conserve energy. They may also provide you with splints and other joint protection devices.

Pharmacists fill your prescriptions for medicines and can explain the drugs’ actions and side effects. Pharmacists can tell you how different medicines work together, when and how to take your medications and can answer questions about over-the-counter medicines.

Physical therapists can show you exercises to help keep your muscles strong and your joints from becoming stiff. They can help you learn how to use special equipment to move better. Some physical therapists also are trained to design personal fitness programs, such as prescribed muscle strengthening and range of motion exercises for cardiovascular health maintenance and weight control. They can also show you non-medicinal ways to control pain. If you’ve had surgery, they can give you pre- and post-surgical care and show you the correct use of devices such as walking aids.

Psychologists can help you solve emotional or mental problems. They can offer counselling for individual or family support and help you discover effective ways to cope with the emotional aspects of having arthritis. Social workers are specially trained to understand situations that may be difficult to deal with or to talk about. People often meet with a social worker to discuss personal family, social or financial issues that occur as a result of having arthritis. They often suggest appropriate community resources. Certified dietitians (nutritionists) can help by teaching you about any special dietary programs or about healthier ways to eat. X-ray and laboratory technologists perform tests which help your doctor make a diagnosis or follow the effects of certain medications.

The patient is the most important member of the health care team. The patient plays an important role in his or her medical care. The patient can contribute to the success of a treatment plan by:

• learning about arthritis
• following through with treatment
• reporting progress and setbacks to health team
• keeping a positive attitude
• developing relationships with the rest of the health care team
• Keeping a positive attitude, though sometimes difficult, is an important ingredient in overcoming arthritis. Asking questions and finding out as much as you can about of arthritis and its treatment is important. So talk over your concerns with your doctor. If you still need more information (or if you have difficulty talking to your doctor), ask the nurse, physical therapist, social worker, occupational therapist to help you find answers to your questions.

Arthritis most often affects areas in or around joints. Joints are parts of the body where bones meet, such as your knee. The ends of the bones are covered by cartilage, a spongy material that acts as a shock absorber to keep bones from rubbing together. The joint is enclosed in a capsule called the synovium. The synovium’s lining releases a slippery fluid that helps the joint move smoothly and easily. Muscles and tendons support the joint and help you move. Different types of arthritis can affect one or more parts of a joint. This often results in a change of shape and alignment in the joints.

Certain types of arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin and internal organs. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. It is important to know which type of arthritis you have so you can treat it properly. If you don’t know which type you have, call your doctor or ask during your next visit. Some common types of arthritis are described below.

• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Low back pain
• Bursitis and tendinitis

There are many more types of arthritis and related diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus erythematosus.

Bone spurs are of two basic types. One is the kind that arises near a joint with osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. In this situation, the cartilage has been worn through and the bone responds by growing extra bone at the margins of the joint surface. These “spurs” carry the formal name “osteophytes.” They are common features of the osteoarthritic shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle. Removing these osteophytes is an important part of joint replacement surgery, but removing them without addressing the underlying arthritis is usually not effective in relieving symptoms.

The second type of bone spur is the kind that occurs when the attachment of ligaments or tendons to bone become calcified. This can occur on the bottom of the foot around the Achilles Tendon and in the coroacoacromial ligament of the shoulder. These spurs often look impressive on X-rays, but because they are in the substance of the ligaments so they rarely cause sufficient problems to merit excision.

There are many things that help reduce pain, relieve stiffness and keep you moving. Your care may involve more than one kind of treatment. Your doctor may recommend medications, but there are many things you can do on your own to help manage pain and fatigue and move easier.

Finding the right treatment takes time. It can involve trial and error until you and your healthcare team or therapist find what works best. Be sure to let your doctor know if a treatment is not working. Your treatment may also change as your arthritis changes.

Treatments for arthritis can be divided into several categories: medication, exercise, heat/cold, pacing, joint protection, surgery and self-help skills. You can do things in each of these areas to help yourself feel better and move easier.

Most people with arthritis will never need surgery. However, surgery can help in some cases when other treatments have failed. It can reduce pain, increase movement and improve physical appearance. Two kinds of surgery help people with arthritis. The first kind repairs the existing joint by removing debris, fusing or correcting bone deformity. The second replaces the joint with an artificial joint. If your doctor suggests surgery, you may want to ask another doctor for a second opinion. Orthopedic surgeons are the doctors who perform most joint replacements. Plastic surgeons may help with hand surgery.

Many hospitals in India have language translators to help you communicate better and effortlessly with the doctors and medical staff.