What your joints need

I know the secret to getting rid of arthritis pain forever and it is not taking drugs. A few years ago I accidentally discovered how to rid one’s self of arthritis pain, naturally.

Osteoarthritis affects joints in a different way depending on their location in the body, causing various symptoms. Arthritis pain can be experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. The first step when looking for solutions to an arthritis pain problem is to understand how arthritis works.

Collagen is the essential protein in cartilage; it forms a mesh to give support and flexibility to the joint. The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans, creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement. Cartilage contains a high percentage of water, but it decreases with age.

Most experts now believe that osteoarthritis results from a genetic susceptibility that causes a biologic response to injuries to the joint, which leads to progressive deterioration of cartilage. Injuries sometimes can be the start in the arthritic disease process; osteoarthritis can develop years later even after a single traumatic injury to a joint or near a joint. The cause of arthritis (osteoarthritis) and the factors leading to the deterioration of cartilage in osteoarthritis is still not understood.

Making a ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.

Natural treatment for arthritis is usually a better choice because it’s non-invasive to the body. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.

If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain forever it may take a radical change in your diet and an ongoing commitment. Keep in mind, if you take a joint supplement it should help do three things — build cartilage, relieve everyday joint pain, and enhance your flexibility and movement.

Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost — no one will ever know. I eat a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) to relieve my arthritis pain and this should be tried for at least 30 days, thus eliminating any foods that might be culprits.

There are a number of exercises which can benefit arthritis sufferers regardless of how much restriction of movement there is. Exercise your affected joints every day, to keep them flexible. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty made for this purpose or exercising with two Chinese chime balls. Exercise in a heated pool; it will help reduce the pressure on your joints and the heat will help you loosen those joints.

Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health. Important exercises for arthritis are range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight bearing exercises.

Once you become more informed about arthritis you’ll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination of both. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take. Only you know which treatment option is best for you.

Once you understand the facts about arthritis, possible causes and treatment approaches you can take, you’ll be on your way to recovery and pain will disappear. Arthritis pain relief is the ultimate goal – understanding arthritis is a good way to get there. Changing your diet to predominately fruits and raw veggies, like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight.

American Arthritis Foundation is the leading and most viable non-profit health organization that handles arthritis. They also sponsor all sorts of arthritis studies to treat arthritis in addition to providing educational information on arthritis to patients. Its vision is to assume the management of arthritis by making efforts to prevent, manage and find a cure for arthritis.

Arthritis is the foremost cause of disability in America and the American Arthritis Foundation has five hundreds thousand volunteers and one hundred and fifty outlets that provide all sorts of courses and services to enable people to manage and combat arthritis. Educational books and comprehensively booklets on the management and surviving with arthritis are provided as well.

American Arthritis Foundation has so far injected above three hundred millions to research and employ more than two thousands scientists, health care professional and physicians since 1948 to provide the leading edge arthritis research. An approximate seventy million Americans are afflicted with arthritis and the foundation makes sure that policies are geared towards as well as promoting efforts towards its vision.

With arthritis as the foremost course of disability in America, no effort is spared by the American Arthritis Foundation to prevent, manage and search for a cure for arthritis and its condition. Arthritis Today is the American Arthritis Foundation magazine to promote the management and prevention of arthritis. It is published once every two months and sends a clear message that arthritis is to be contained and overcome.

One of the program that the American Arthritis Foundation has founded is the Let’s Talk RA program that they work in conjunction with the Bristol-Meyers Squibb to inform patients on how to manage their rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For starters, it is necessary to get a copy of Let’s Talk RA Communication Kit that encompasses a Participant Survey, a Communication Guide, a Health Assessment Questionnaire in addition to relevant information that are provided by Bristol-Meyers Squibb and the American Arthritis Foundation.

It is essential for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers to get some assistant while undergoing treatment in addition to managing their disease. Through getting a copy of the Let’s Talk RA Communication Kit, they have made a constructive decision in managing their condition as the American Arthritis Foundation calls for active involvement in their fight against the disease.

Osteoarthritis is a form of disability and most will have to forego active participation in their daily lives but they are instances of people getting on with life and one such example is John Elway who was once a Denver Bronco player but became spokesperson for Game Plan for OA, part of the American Arthritis Foundation program. John Elway has demonstrated that sticking to the guidelines provided can help one to manage arthritis in addition to assist them to lead normal lives.

The American Arthritis Foundation works closely with clinical experts, scientists from various research firms in addition to companies that are committed to arthritis and the associated conditions to make a compilation of new developments of arthritis on a annual basis. In addition to, the American Arthritis Foundation researchers that found new pathways that controls the damages to joints that are linked to inflammatory arthritis.

All the relevant information related to arthritis from 1985 to 2006 can be found in the American Arthritis Foundation. The figures for the corresponding period of arthritis patients has gone up from thirty five million to forty six million and arthritis is chronic and the one of the foremost cause of disability for people that are age fifteen years and above, just after heart disease.

Arthritis foundation is spreading to all corners world and in Singapore; the National Arthritis Foundation is a reputable charity that was formed in 1984. It is the biggest of its kind that spends all its time devoted to helping arthritis patients as well as educates them and the public on arthritis. In addition it does a lot of researches into arthritis and is also a coordinating as well as managing closely with pharmaceutical bodies plus specialists in arthritis to fulfill its aim.

The mission of the National Arthritis Foundation is to provide support for the patients and fight against arthritis in addition to do research to combat arthritis plus educating public and the patients on arthritis. With its one thousand members that cover the whole spectrum of society that include patients, caregivers in addition to those that are concerned with arthritis plus health professional. The National Arthritis Foundation has an elected general council and executive committee to oversee its operation. Arthritis is a worldwide disease that afflicted many older citizens and should be treated very seriously.

While the most obvious symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have to do with joint swelling and pain, there are multiple other problems that may occur that an arthritis specialist has to be constantly vigilant for.

For instance, rheumatoid arthritis can cause damage to the lungs and heart and be associated with significant damage to the skin and nerves. Also, it can cause serious problems with the eyes.

There a number of eye conditions that can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis… and its treatment. These include:

• Dry eyes. This condition is often a tip-off that Sjogren’s disease, a common autoimmune condition coexists with the rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who also have Sjogren’s disease have a more severe course of disease and prognosis.

• Inflammation of the inner part of the eye (uveitis). This condition often causes symptoms such as eye redness, eye pain, and tearing. If not treated it can lead to blindness.

• Inflammation of the episclera (episcleritis), the surface membrane covering the white part (sclera) of the eye. This condition shows up as a red eye. Sometimes tearing and irritation can occur. While not as severe as uveitis, it must also be treated aggressively.

• Cataracts. These often develop as a result of chronic steroid therapy. The treatment is the same as for routine cataracts. Steroid dose should be minimized when possible.

• Maculopathy. This is damage to the retina of the eye. Most often associated with anti-malarial therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, it is exceedingly rare nowadays. Still… patients who receive either hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for their rheumatoid arthritis need to be evaluated on a regular basis (usually every six months) by an eye physician to check for this side-effect.

Treatment of dry eyes may include artificial tears and other eye lubricants. Patients who also have dry mouth can be treated with artificial saliva and mouth moisturizing agents. In addition, pilocarpine can be used. This drug should not be used in patients who also have glaucoma. Sometimes patients who are unresponsive to more conservative measures may require surgery.

Treatment of uveitis and episcleritis may include corticosteroid eye drops, cyclopegics (dilating drops), and anti-inflammatory medications. Often more aggressive systemic therapies are needed. In fact, the presence of significant eye inflammation in the form of uveitis, episcleritis, or Sjogren’s disease should be a warning signal that a more aggressive approach is needed.

Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis and experience dry eyes, eye pain or redness, blurred vision, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity, should see an ophthalmologist for evaluation immediately. Close and careful consultation with a rheumatologist is strongly advised.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis. It affects roughly 2 million Americans. It is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disorder for which there is no known cure. However, there are very effective medicine regimens that can control the disease and get it into remission.

The major reason, RA is not put into remission more often is the lack of a precise diagnosis. While there are many criteria that can point towards the diagnosis, it is often difficult early on to make sure a given person has the disease.

Multiple criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology can suggest the probability of RA. These include:

• Morning stiffness lasting more than one hour

• Simultaneous arthritis affecting three or more joints

• Arthritis affecting the knuckles (metacarpophalangeal joints) and close in finger joints (proximal interphalangeal joints)

• Symmetric arthritis

• Rheumatoid nodules

• Positive test for rheumatoid factor in the blood

• X-ray changes.

These criteria were formulated in the late 1980’s and things have changed quite a bit.

First, x-ray changes are late and these cannot and should not be used to establish an initial diagnosis. Both magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are much more sensitive.They are also more sensitive to subtle changes.

Secondly, the use of blood testing has also improved.

Rheumatoid factor is present in only about 80 percent of people with RA. It can also be present in people with other diseases such as bacterial endocarditis, syphilis, sarcoidosis, leprosy, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can also be effective in roughly quantitating the amount of inflammation present.

British researchers presented new findings at the American College of Rheumatology meeting held in Boston in November 2007 that could greatly facilitate early detection.

Patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis are often tested for anti-cyclic citrullinated (anti-CCP) antibodies as part of their initial evaluation by a rheumatologist but not by the primary care doctor who may first have detected the condition.

The scientists retrospectively tested for anti-CCP in the blood samples of 98 newly-diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients. The blood samples hadn’t been checked for anti-CCP before the patients’ first visit with a rheumatologist. The researchers compared the actual treatment strategies without the anti-CCP results to treatment strategies proposed by three rheumatologists and a registered nurse who reviewed the patients’ records and were given the retrospective anti-CCP test results.

The study found that prior knowledge of the anti-CCP results would have increased by 50 percent (from 19 to 28) the number of patients started on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) at the first rheumatologist visit. Earlier detection of the antibodies would have also led to a more intensive treatment regimen from the outset for eight patients.

“Having the results of this relatively inexpensive test available at the time of their first assessment of patients with a possible early inflammatory polyarthritis (arthritis affecting many joints) would allow rheumatologists to make a faster diagnosis and shorten the delay before treatment starts,” lead investigator David O’Reilly, of West Suffolk Hospital, said in a prepared statement.

So… as our ability to make the diagnosis earlier becomes better, the chance for getting RA into remission and possibly curing it increases.

Rhumatol is a 100% non toxic medicine that helps you to relieve from the troubles and discomforts that arise from the health problems like Rheumatoid Arthritis or similar problems that affect the health of your joints.

The main reason behind the problems related to Rheumatoid Arthritis is found to be the lack of specific nutrients in your body. The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are normally stated to be an indication of the poor immune system of your body. It is not normally possible to get rid of this health condition without strengthening your total immunity.

Most of the medicines that are now available as medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis are found not safe to be used considering the complications that may create on your body.

Rhumatol is a perfect combination of hundred percent natural ingredients that can act as an effective remedy to restore spoiled immunity of your body. It contains no toxic ingredients that may harm your body. The main ingredients of rhumatol are the powerful plant nutrients that help to support to cartilage and joint flexibility of your body.

The ingredients of Rhumatol are known as the safest ingredients which have been in use for thousands of years to cure the problems related to joint pain and other similar health conditions. It can provide you the essential nutrients that your body requires to restore its lost immunity. The advanced synergistic process used to make this medicine will ensure the patient the delivery of all essential nutrients in the most potent form directly to the nucleus of immune cells of your body.

The key ingredients of this medicine include Mannose, Galactose, Fructose, Glucose, Xylose, N-acetylneuramic acid and N-actylgalactosamine, N-acetyilglucosamine. Mannose is very helpful to support the excretion system of the body. Galactose in the Rhumatol helps to improve the intercellular communication of the body of a patient who suffers from joint problems. Facose is found to be very important for nerve function and to maintain kidney in a healthy condition. It can also improve the reproductive system and hydration of the skin. Glucose is used to enhance memory and to stimulate calcium absorption. Xylose in this medicine will help to promote the growth of healthful flora of the intestine to make an atmosphere for effective nutrient absorption. N-acetylneuramic acid in it acts as an effective immune modulator for your body. N-acetylgalactosamine helps you to maintain your joints in a healthy state. N-acetylglucosamine that are found in the brain, thyroid, small intestine, liver, testes etc play an important role in maintaining the health of the joints of a person.

Alternative arthritis pain relief with Painezer

As you are probably aware, arthritis is a disease of the joints. There are two types: osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” problem of joints, whilst rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune destruction of joints and their components.

Following concerns over drugs such as Vioxx, many arthritis sufferers are considering alternative arthritis pain relievers to help minimise the side effects of drugs. You may suffer severe pain from arthritis and may be interested in a natural therapy that could help relieve pain without requiring additional medication.

Of course, the treatment of your arthritis involves many things. The latest research is showing that diet and exercise also have very important roles in successful management of arthritis pain. It is advisable to take advice from your doctor before making any changes to your exercise regime.

The Painezer is designed to be a complementary treatment to existing medication. It may be a useful added or alternative arthritis pain reliever therapy particularly when joint pain is intense and causing acute disability. Electrical stimulation is also a definite option for sufferers of arthritic pain and has been shown to give immediate relief in many cases.

Alan Warburton, CEO of Painezer, has countless testimonials for the Painezer as a successful, alternative method of pain relief. In the UK recently to carry out health research, he brought a number of trial versions of the Painezer with him. Those individuals who had a trial version were so happy with the successful treatment of their arthritis pain, that they were asking for further Painezers for their relatives and friends. What a testimony to their effectiveness in relieving the long term pain of arthritis.

There’s no complicated instructions, batteries or cables. In fact, it’s easy to use the Painezer, simply click over the painful joint or joints for 10 or more times at intervals of 1-2 seconds. The Painezer can be put in a handbag or pocket and carried round unobtrusively, ready for use when pain is at it’s worst. It even works through your clothing, so is ready for immediate use at all times and in all locations.

While there is little research on how newer products such as Painezer can reduce arthritic pain, much research has been done on some of the more well-known forms of electrical stimulation, such as TENS and PENS. One such study states that pulsed electrical stimulation therapy may have benefits for reducing the pain of osteo-arthritis in the knee.

Another study looking at the short term effects of TENS (Lewis, et al.), noted that osteo-arthritis sufferers preferred to continue the TENS treatment rather than go back to their original medication.

To summarise, individuals who have tried the Painezer to manage their arthritis have been very pleased with the results. This is one alternative pain relief therapy which arthritis sufferers are finding helpful in the battle to minimise their arthritis pain.

For further tips and ideas on how to manage arthritis pain naturally,

visit Arthritis pain relief

Treating Arthritis and Related Conditions

According to medical records, the first ever case of arthritis was recorded during 4500 BC. Arthritis can be defined as the condition wherein the joints of the human body get damaged, which is often related to the natural aging process.

The word “Arthritis” is believed to have been derived from the Greek language. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation: “Arth” refers to the joints and “itis” refers to inflammation. Arthritis is not a single disease.

There are several different types of Arthritis, each of which has a specific cause. Of these Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis are considered to be autoimmune diseases wherein the human body is self attacked. Joint contamination leads to Septic Arthritis while Gouty Arthritis is often caused due to accretion of crystals of uric acid within the joints, followed by inflammation. Osteoarthritis is believed to be the most common type of Arthritis which is generally caused following injury of the joints due to some infection or the natural aging process.

In terms of seriousness and physical effect, the medical sciences have identified Arthritis as a disease which is second only to heart disease and associated diseases. Self-diagnosis of Arthritis is often problematic, owing to the fact that there are over a hundred different types of Arthritis. This disorder can also be found in juveniles under the age of 15 years.

Whilst Arthritis mainly affects the joints, in some cases it has also been found to affect certain other body parts. These affected body parts develop often intense pain and inflammation and will often leave the suffer incapacitated. It has been observed that women are more prone to Arthritis than men.

One of the causes of Arthritis is insufficient lubrication of the joints which in turn may lead to heightened levels of stress on the body part. The initial symptoms of arthritis include severe pain and stiffness around the joint which happens gradually within a period of time. Arthritis symptoms could easily be avoided or prevented through various physical exercises or activities. Obesity is supposed to be one of the major causes of the Arthritis complaints due to intensive stress generated on the limbs and joints. Heavier body weights damage muscles and joints more over a period of time than lighter body parts. Arthritis is usually more painful during winter or damp weather conditions. Hence during these periods, the affected body parts should be covered with some woolen cloth or kept warm – this would reduce the discomfort significantly.

In some cases of Arthritis the patients may become completely physically disabled and be forced to remain bed-ridden for an extended period of time., though thankfully these cases are much less frequent than other effects of Arthritis

There are several remedial medications approved by the FDA for various Arthritis disorders which do help relieving the problem to varying degrees of success. It is essential that you consult a physician for proper diagnosis of the precise type of Arthritis before undertaking any treatment plan. Such treatment will often involve some physical and occupational therapy, with arthroplasty being offered as the preferred option for medicinal therapy.

In some extreme cases doctors also recommend artificial joint replacement therapy as an option which is considered to be highly effective and successful. Just over 90% of the patients who are severely affected by arthritis symptoms, will report relief with these types of treatments.

To look for pain relief from Arthritis is a hard thing to do. The Doctors can give you pain killers, and they also can give you anti inflammatory drugs to help the pain. And to be able to find something that will give natural arthritis pain relief is even harder. There are many weird and wonderful items on the market for all illnesses, and I guess if someone is in pain they will take anything to get that pain relief.

Most people know about Arthritis, and they know how painful it can be for the patient, and if you look at Rheumatoid Arthritis things are even worse.

The Doctors know about these two diseases, although I’m not convinced that they know what causes it, or how to cure it. Up to quite recently its been left to the drug companies to provide the relief from pain, but thanks to medical science that is all changing.

What medical science has produced is not something that can be bought from a chemist, or can it be prescribed by your Doctor, yet it has made a tremendous amount of difference to patients already.

This remarkable turnaround is almost a completely different type of life style where your diet is the main thing to alter. We have to stop eating foods that cause the problems in the first place. When you think of things like pollution and over use of chemicals its no wonder we have problems.

By sticking a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables and by cutting out acidic foods like meat, and fast foods, and sugar based products like sweets, biscuits, chocolate we will all feel so much better as the body’s natural defence system can then work properly to cure out ills and pain.

The are many ailments that can be cured like this, and it has been proved that things like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Gout, Cancer, Eczema, Asthma, Psoriasis, and many more can be reversed where the patient once more can lead a normal life again without the misery and the suffering.

Please note that I am not a Doctor, or any way allied to the Medical profession, and I would always advise you to talk things through with your Doctor. I am not qualified to give you medical advice, and the only thing I am doing is passing information on that I have read about.

If you are suffering badly you might want to talk things through with your own Doctor, or maybe in some cases you might not have faith in him anymore. That decision is up to you, but I do advise that you enlist the help of a good nutritionist how can make sure you are getting the right vitamins for a healthy balanced diet.

There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Most of them involve inflammation. When a patient goes to a rheumatologist to get a diagnosis, there is a process of elimination in order to arrive at the proper diagnosis. This process of elimination is called “differential diagnosis.”

Differential diagnosis can be a difficult undertaking because so many forms of arthritis, particularly inflammatory forms of arthritis look alike. The following is a list of types of inflammatory arthritis that can be seen and must be considered when evaluating a patient with inflammatory symptoms of arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease, that may affect any joint in the body but preferentially attacks the peripheral joints (fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. It can also affect non-joint organ systems such as the lung, eye, skin, and cardiovascular system. The onset of RA may be insidious-slow- with nonspecific symptoms, including fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, weight loss, and vague aches and pains, or it may have an abrupt onset with inflammation involving multiple joints. The joint symptoms usually occur bilaterally and are symmetric. Damage to joints- called “erosions” can be seen with magnetic resonance imaging early on or by x-ray later in the course of disease. Approximately 80% of patients with RA will have elevated levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-CCP antibodies.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

JRA describes a group of arthritic conditions that occur in children under the age of 16. Three forms of JRA exist, including oligoarticular (1-4 joints), polyarticular (> 4 joints), and systemic-onset or Still’s disease. The latter is associated with significant internal organ involvement and may also present with fever and rash in addition to joint disease. Polyarticular JRA is considered to be the type that is most similar to adult RA, and is responsible for approximately 30% of cases of JRA. Most children with polyarticular JRA are negative for RF and their prognosis is usually good. Roughly, 20% of polyarticular JRA patients will have elevated RF, and these patients appear to be at more risk for chronic, progressive joint destruction and damage. Uveitis- an inflammatory condition of the eye- is a common finding in oligoarticular JRA, especially in patients who are antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive. The dangerous feature of uveitis is that it can cause relatively few symptoms so careful screening is recommended in order to avoid blindness.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

SLE is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can involve the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and blood vessel walls. At least 4 of the following symptoms which have been formulated by the American College of Rheumatology are generally present for a diagnosis to be made:

• Red, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, affecting the cheeks;

• Typical skin rash on other parts of the body;

• Sensitivity to sunlight;

• Mouth sores;

• Joint inflammation (arthritis);

• Fluid around the lungs, heart, or other organs;

• Kidney dysfunction;

• Low white blood cell count, low red blood cell count due to hemolytic anemia, or low platelet count;

• Nerve or brain dysfunction;

• Positive results of a blood test for ANA; and

• Positive results of a blood test for antibodies to double-stranded DNA or other antibodies including anti-Smith antibodies or antiphospholipid antibodies.

Patients with lupus can have significant inflammatory arthritis. That is why lupus can be difficult to distinguish from RA, especially if other signs and symptoms of lupus are minimal.

Inflammatory Muscle Disease

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are types of inflammatory muscle disease. These conditions typically present with bilateral (both sides) large muscle weakness. In the case of DM, rash can be a presenting sign. Diagnosis consists of four major features, including elevation of creatine kinase (CPK), signs and symptoms such as muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzymes (creatine kinase, aldolase), electromyograph (EMG) abnormalities, and a positive muscle biopsy. Often, laboratory test abnormalities can be seen including the presence of autoantibodies such antinuclear antibody (ANA), and the myositis-associated antibodies.

In both PM and DM, inflammatory arthritis can be present and can look like RA — including lung involvement. In RA, however, unless an overlap syndrome – ie., a patient having both RA as well as muscle disease) is present, muscle function should be normal. Also, in PM and DM, erosive joint disease is unlikely. RF and anti-CCP antibodies are typically elevated in RA and not PM or DM.

Spondyloarthropathies (SA)

A group of arthritic conditions called the spondyloarthropathies which include psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and enteropathic arthritis are a category of disease that cause inflammation throughout the entire body, particularly in parts of the spine and at other joints where tendons attach to bones. They also can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, upper and lower back, tendonitis, bursitis, heel pain, and fatigue. They are often called seronegative arthritis. The term ’seronegative’ means that tests for lab markers such as rheumatoid factor are negative. Symptoms of adult SA include:

• Back and/or joint pain;

• Morning stiffness;

• Tenderness near bones;

• Sores on the skin;

• Inflammation of the joints on both sides of the body;

• Skin or mouth ulcers;

• Rash on the bottom of the feet; and

• Eye inflammation.

In some cases of SA, peripheral arthritis resembling RA can be present. Careful history and physical examination can usually distinguish between these syndromes, especially if an obvious disease that is aggravating inflammation is present (psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease). In addition, since RA rarely affects the end joints of the fingers (DIP joints), if these joints are involved from inflammatory arthritis, the diagnosis of an SA is favored. Usually, RF and anti-CCP antibodies are negative in SA, although in some cases of psoriatic arthritis there may be elevations of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.

Crystal Associated Arthritis

Monosodium Urate Disease (Gout)

Gout is due to deposition of monosodium urate crystals in a joint. Gouty arthritis is typically sudden in onset, very painful, with signs of significant inflammation on exam (red, warm, swollen joints). Gout can affect almost any joint in the body, but typically affects “cooler” regions including the toes, feet, ankles, knees, and hands. Diagnosis is made by withdrawing fluid from a joint and examining the fluid under a polarizing microscope. Patients may also have elevated serum levels of uric acid.

In most cases, gout is an acute disease that affects one joint and is easily distinguished from RA. However, in rare cases, chronic erosive inflammation can develop and affect multiple joints. And, in cases where tophi (deposits of uric acid under the skin) are present, it can be difficult to distinguish from erosive RA. However, crystal analysis of joints or tophi and blood tests should be helpful in distinguishing gout from RA.

Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD; Pseudogout)

CPPD disease is caused by deposits of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals in a joint. The body’s reaction to these crystals, leads to significant inflammation. Diagnosis includes:

• Detailed medical history and physical exam;

• Withdrawing fluid from a joint using a needle;

• Joint x-rays to show crystals deposited on the cartilage (chondrocalcinosis);

• Blood tests to rule out other diseases (e.g., RA or osteoarthritis).

In most cases, CPPD arthritis presents with acute arthritis affecting one or more joints. However, in some cases, CPPD disease can present with chronic symmetric multiple joint erosive arthritis similar to RA. RA and CPPD disease can usually be distinguished by joint fluid examination demonstrating calcium pyrophosphate crystals, and by blood tests, including RF and anti-CCP antibodies, which should be negative in CCPD arthritis.

Sarcoid Arthritis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory type of arthritis. The majority of patients with this disease have lung disease, with eye and skin disease being the next most frequent signs of disease. In most cases, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be made on clinical and x-ray presentation alone. Patients will have acute arthritis, painful nodules under the skin on the shins (erythema nodosum), and a chest x-ray showing enlargement of lymph niodes. In some cases, the demonstration of a specific type of inflammation change, called a noncaseating granuloma on tissue biopsy, is necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Arthritis can be present in approximately 15% of patients with sarcoidosis, and in rare cases can be the only sign of disease. In acute sarcoid arthritis, joint disease is usually rapid in onset, symmetric, involving the ankle joints. The knees, wrists, and small joints of the hands can be involved. In most cases of acute disease, lung and skin disease are also present. Chronic sarcoid arthritis typically involves one or maybe a few joints and due to its often erosive nature can be difficult to distinguish from RA.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) / Temporal Arthritis

PMR is a form of arthritis that leads to inflammation of tendons, muscles, ligaments, and tissues around the joints. It is characterized by large muscle (shoulders, hips, thighs, neck) pain, aching, morning stiffness, fatigue, and in some cases, fever. It can be associated with temporal arthritis/giant-cell arthritis (TA/GCA) which is a related but more serious condition in which inflammation of large blood vessels can lead to complications such as blindness, aneurysms and cramping pain in the arms or legs (limb claudication) due to inflammation and narrowing of the large blood vessels in the chest and extremities. PMR is diagnosed when the clinical picture is accompanied by elevated markers of inflammation (ESR and/or CRP). If temporal arthritis is suspected (headache, vision changes, limb claudication), biopsy of a temporal artery may be necessary to make the diagnosis.

PMR and TA/GCA can present with symmetric inflammatory arthritis similar to RA. These diseases can usually be distinguished by blood tests. In addition, headaches, acute vision changes, and large muscle pain are uncommon in RA, and if these are present, PMR and/or TA/GCA should be considered.

Infectious Arthritis

Many infections can present with arthritis either due to direct joint infection or due to autoimmune joint inflammation. In most cases, infections lead to acute single joint arthritis; however, in some cases, chronic arthritis affecting a few or many joints can be present. Because missed infections can lead to significant complications, it is crucial to have a high index of suspicion for infection in any patient presenting with acute or chronic arthritis.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infection due to a type of bacteria called a spirochete. The disease is manifested by a skin rash, swollen joints and flu-like symptoms, caused from the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms may include:

• A skin rash, often resembling a bulls-eye (target lesion);

• Fever;

• Headache;

• Muscle pain;

• Stiff neck; and

• Swelling of knees and other large joints.

The diagnosis of Lyme disease is typically made by blood testing. If, however, chronic single joint arthritis develops, joint fluid analysis or joint tissue biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis. Lyme arthritis can usually be distinguished from RA by clinical presentation and blood tests.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF)

Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that may develop after an infection with the Streptococcus bacteria (strep throat or scarlet fever). The disease can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Symptoms include:

• Fever;

• Joint pain;

• Arthritis (mainly in the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists);

• Joint swelling; redness or warmth;

• Abdominal pain;

• Skin rash

• Skin nodules;

• A peculiar movement disorder (Sydenham’s chorea)

• Nosebleeds;

• Heart problems, which can be asymptomatic.

The diagnosis of ARF is made by clinical assessment and blood testing for antibodies against streptococcal proteins. ARF and RA can have similar clinical features including arthritis and nodules. However, ARF can usually be distinguished from RA by clinical presentation. Rash and migratory arthritis are unusual in RA. The use of blood tests is also helpful.

Viral arthritis (hepatitis B and C, parvovirus, EBV, HIV)

Arthritis may be a symptom of many viral illnesses. This makes viral infections a great masquerader. The duration is usually short, and it usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects. Clinical features in adults:

• Joint symptoms occur in up to 60%. These can be symmetric and affect the small joints of the hands, wrists, and ankles as well as the knees. Morning stiffness is also present.

• Parvovirus B19 is a very common viral infection that looks like RA.

• Diagnosis of viral arthritis is made by serologic testing. A high percentage of patients with hepatitis C may have elevated titers of RF. Therefore, RF testing is not helpful in distinguishing between hepatitis C infection and RA. However, in these situations, testing for anti-CCP can be helpful as anti-CCP antibodies have not been shown to be significantly elevated in isolated hepatitis C infections.

So as you can see… “it ain’t easy…”

There are over 100 different types of known arthritis and many will present symptoms that may be different in many people. However confusing the arthritis early symptoms may be, it is important to understand what they are in order to achieve early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, there are several other ailments that may be comorbid with arthritis, making the separation of the symptoms more difficult. Specific tests for the different types of arthritis can often detect its presence and knowing the arthritis early symptoms and relating them to the doctor can ease its pain in the future.

While there currently is no known cure for all forms of arthritis, treatment methods have greatly improved over the past few years and dealing with the pain of arthritis has been made easier. However, there are some medications that offer side effects that mimic other ailments and should not be confused with arthritis early symptoms. Only a qualified physician and appropriate tests can determine if the arthritis early symptoms are caused by the disease, medications or other problems.

Joints stiffness and pain is probably one of the most recognized of the arthritis early symptoms, but if a person has been performing tough physical labor, they may misunderstand the source of the pain. Logically, if the joints are painful from physical exertion, the muscles should show the same effects of the activity. If only the joints hurt it could be one of the arthritis early symptoms.

Not All People Receive The Same Warning Message

As the different forms of arthritis can attack different people in diverse places, the arthritis early symptoms are often ignored. Even with the most common form of arthritis, osteoporosis symptoms are often passed off as suffering the effects of old age. However, this form of arthritis knows no age limit and can strike people at any age.

Those suffering arthritis early symptoms, regardless of age should seek a medical professionals opinion to rule out the ailment or possible suffer longer than necessary by not getting appropriate treatment as early as possible. Many new drugs have been introduced to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis, and in some cases slowing down the degeneration of the cartilage can ease many of the painful problems.

Since some forms of arthritis can affect organs and normal body functions, it is important to understand the arthritis early symptoms and react to them if they appear. Pain, stiffness and joint swelling may be some of the most common, but there are others that can afflict a patient without them knowing are in the first stages of the onset of arthritis.