What your joints need

Arthritis is an ailment which involves a number of painful conditions of the joints and the bones. There are a number of different types of this disease. Most types are inflammatory while others are degenerative in nature.

The disease may be preceded or coupled by an episode of fatigue and feeling of weakness. The pains in the joints most of the time starts in the hands, particularly in the knuckles. Most of the time, the pain are felt in both hands simultaneously, as in the case of one of the most typical form called rheumatoid arthritis.

Other usual forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, gout arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis arthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and septic arthritis.

Other forms of arthritis can emerge as a result of an infection. For instance, bacteria causing gonorrhea or Lyme disease can also lead to arthritis. Arthritis that are caused by infection can cause serious injuries, but generally clears up completely with the use of antibiotics.

Scleroderma, a systemic ailment which involves the skin, may incorporate harms with the blood vessels, internal organs as well as the joints. Another disease called fibromyalgia syndrome is soft-tissue rheumatism that does not usually result to the deformation of the joints but affects an estimated number of 5 million Americans which are mostly women. Over 100 various types of arthritis and arthritis related conditions have been reported.

In making a diagnosis, there are a number of common symptoms of arthritis that have to be considered. These common symptoms of arthritis can be found in tandem with different forms of arthritis. A person may likely to have arthritis if they have been experiencing any of these common symptoms of arthritis such as persistent joint pains, unexplainable weight loss or non-specific fever.

Joint deformities, inflammation as indicated by joint swelling, redness, stiffness and/or warmth, loss of range of movement or flexibility in a joint, extreme fatigue and lack of energy are also some of the common symptoms of arthritis.

Due to the fact that there are a lot of existing types of arthritis, there are many tests that are being performed for arthritis and its related diseases. Your medical doctor will be in charge of ordering tests basing on your comprehensive listing of symptoms. Some of the tests and procedures that may help diagnose arthritis include online self-assessments, such as self-assessment for candidiasis and the magnesium deficiency assessment. This self-testing procedure can aid you in determining the root causes of your persistent conditions.

There are also certain saliva tests which can make you check if you have an acid alkaline imbalance. According to recent studies, the reduction on the levels of acidity in the body can have a good effect on improving the common symptoms of arthritis.

Blood tests can also be done. Patients who suffer with arthritis have inflammatory markers found in their blood. These tests may include checking for the presence of positive rheumatoid factor, presence of citrullinated peptide or CCP antibody, checking the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and checking for the levels of C-reactive protein or CRP.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis, affecting more than 2 million Americans. It is a chronic, systemic, progressive autoimmune process for which there is no cure, currently. However, there are medications available that can put this disease into remission.

Prior to treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is important than any patient suspected of having the disease undergo a thorough and complete examination. This will include an in-depth history, careful physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging procedures such as x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect many internal organ systems such as the eyes, lungs, and heart, its symptoms can be magnified by other conditions.

That is why it is so important that thorough laboratory testing be done. Many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as generalized aches and pains in the joints and muscles, fatigue, listlessness, and low grade fever can be due to other conditions.

Anemia, which is frequent in patients with active RA, is a common cause of fatigue.

For instance, it is not uncommon for patients to have an overlap of their rheumatoid arthritis with systemic lupus erythematosus. This condition is referred to as “rupus.”

Also, inflammatory muscle diseases such as polymyositis can often present with joint inflammation along with weakness.

Another organ system dysfunction that is often neglected or overlooked is thyroid disease.

There is an increased incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. When thyroid inflammation occurs, the end result can be hypothyroidism- an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for many metabolic functions in the body. When it fails to work properly, symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, muscle and joint aches and pains can often occur.

Hypothyroidism is significantly more common in female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than in women in general due to the increased association of these two conditions.

A recent study has demonstrated that this coexistence further aggravates the known increased risk for cardiovascular disease occurring in rheumatoid arthritis patients. (Ann Rheum Dis 2008;67:229-232)

Dutch researchers at the VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam studied 358 RA patients, 236 of whom were women. All were taking part in an ongoing cardiovascular study.

Clinical hypothyroidism was seen in none of the men and 16 of the studied women (6.8%) compared to 2.7% in the general Dutch population. Six of the women had subclinical- meaning unapparent on physical examination- hypothyroidism as did 4 of the men.

The women with clinical hypothyroidism also had significantly more cardiovascular disease than did RA patients with normal thyroid function (37.5% versus 13.0%).

After adjustment for other factors, the odds ratio- the increased risk- was 4.6. In other words, women with RA and hypothyroidism were 4.6 times more likely to have significant cardiovascular disease than women with RA who didn’t have hypothyroidism.

The authors concluded that “clinical hypothyroidism accelerates the already enhanced cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis and that physicians should consider screening for thyroid disorders in rheumatoid arthritis patients.”

Author’s note: In our clinic, we routinely screen arthritis patients for coexistent thyroid disease. We have found that all too often, unsuspected hypo- or hyperthyroidism is present and once this condition is treated, many of the other symptoms improve as well.

There is a general misconception that arthritis is an age-related health problem that troubles only the senior citizens or the elderly. It may be true with osteoarthritis, the commonest type of joint disorder that usually has effects on adults of both sexes in their middle age. But what the majority don’t understand is that there are more types or causes of arthritis. There are numerous considerations looking for arthritis remedies.

Arthritis, also known as joint swelling, is defined as an inflammation of a number of joints and involves the breakdown of cartilage leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement.

Cartilage is in charge of shielding the joints and serves as a surprise absorber when pressure is placed on the joint during walking or running. It allows for the smooth movement of our limbs. Without cartilage, the bones will rub together and can cause pain, swelling ( inflammation ), and rigidity. Doctors generally prescribe arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs to help lessen the pain.

Infections that are customarily due to bacteria or viruses;

An autoimmune illness ( the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign ) ; and

often, as shortly as the injury heals, the inflammation vanishes. The infection is treated and the illness is cured. However, there are some wounds and diseases wherein the inflammation remains stubbornly and steadily causing pain that may lead to monstrosity.

Joint pain

Joint swelling

stiffness, especially in the morning

heat around a joint

Redness of the skin around a joint

Reduced capability to move the joint

Arthritis is a condition that may occur in men and women of every age. Rheumatoid arthritis ( in adults )

Osteoarthritis ( middle age and above )

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis ( in children )

systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE )

Scleroderma

Psoriatic arthritis

Reiter’s syndrome ( reactive arthritis )

Adult Still’s disease

Viral arthritis

Other bacterial infections ( non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis )

Tertiary Lyme disease ( the late stage )

Fungal infections such as blastomycosis

Osteoarthritis, being the commonest type, is a protracted disease which causes the cartilage between the bone joints to deteriorate and may cause unpleasant sensation and/or stiffness. New pieces of bones, called bone spurs, may grow around the joints as a consequence of osteoarthritis. Till now, there is no known reason yet as to the reason for osteoarthritis but it is normally being associated with aging. However, factors like metabolism and genes can play a part in its development.

there are plenty of factors to consider before your doctor can prescribe arthritis pain relief treatment plan such as the particular reason for arthritis, influenced joints, severity of arthritis, and the way the condition affects your daily activities.

lifestyle changes and exercise can seriously help in improving the condition of those suffering from arthritis. Medicines such as arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken in addition to exercise and lifestyle changes.

Arthritis is a term that groups together over 100 rheumatic diseases and other related conditions that cause stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is due to the wearing down of cartilage, which is the material that cushions the ends of the bones. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. Typically, however, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections, and unclear reasons (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. When most people think of arthritis, they think of a condition that most often strikes the older population. No one knows exactly what causes juvenile arthritis.

Symptoms often include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and heat in the joints. Symptoms, which include stiffness, swelling, pain and joint damage, are a result of the inflammation of the joints in the body. Symptoms usually do not last a lifetime and tend to disappear after several months or years. Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Symptoms can range from an annoyance to the complete inability to use affected joints. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis come and go but it is a lifelong condition.

Treatment can include patient education, self-management programs, and support groups that help people learn about:Treatments, How to exercise and relax ,How to talk with their doctor, Problem solving. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may involve:Lifestyle changes,Medicine,Surgery,Regular doctor visits,Alternative therapies. Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with transdermal estrogen. Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Treatment, therefore, aims at reducing your pain and discomfort and preventing further disability. Treatment for most forms of arthritis includes medications, exercise, and rest. Treatment of juvenile arthritis is designed to reduce swelling, maintain movement of affected joints and relieve pain, as well as identify, treat and prevent complications.

Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation. Patients with recent joint injuries or surgery, or patients receiving medications injected directly into a joint are also at a greater risk for developing septic arthritis. Patients with severe damage to bone or cartilage may need reconstructive surgery, but it cannot be performed until the infection is completely gone. Patients receiving corticosteroid injections into the joints for osteoarthritis may want to weigh this treatment method against the increased risk of septic arthritis.

Drugs can be used for pain relief, to reduce swelling, and to stop the disease from getting worse.

Some forms of arthritis may also affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, heart, or kidneys. Psoriatic arthritis usually starts out as psoriasis, a condition where areas of the skin become inflamed and covered with silvery grey scales. “Autoimmunity” is a condition whereby the immune system(which normally wards off foreign invaders of the body, such as infections)turns and attacks the body’s own tissues, such as skin, joints, liver, lungs,etc. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause other problems in the body, such as vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), osteoporosis (loss of bone density), lung disease, rheumatoid nodules (small bumps) under the skin, and blood disorders.

Arthritis Statistics: Arthritis is a widespread problem throughout the world, with many people experiencing some form of the disease. As the state’s population continues to age, the number of people affected by arthritis is expected to continue to increase. An diagnosis of arthritis is based on the pattern of symptoms, medicalhistory, family history, physical examination, X-rays and lab tests.

Alexis Kenne

http://www.extend-yourlife.com

http://www.goodhealthguaranteed.com

There is an old joke. It goes like this: “Neurologists diagnose the untreatable while rheumatologists treat the undiagnosable.” Nothing could be truer than when it comes to what is termed “inflammatory arthritis.”

Most rheumatologists tend to divide arthritis into two major categories: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. The latter category is also termed “degenerative” arthritis.

The major distinction is that inflammatory types of arthritis have a significant amount of inflammatory cells that attack the joints. These types of arthritis tend to cause more symptoms, particularly stiffness and pain. They also tend to be progressive. Oftentimes inflammatory types of arthritis are associated with constitutional symptoms, meaning low grade fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Inflammatory types of arthritis can also cause significant damage to internal organs. Disability and early death may be a consequence of some types of inflammatory arthritis. Examples of inflammatory arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, gout, infectious arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Inflammatory types of arthritis can strike at any age.

Inflammatory types of arthritis have typical patterns although theoretically any joint in the body can be affected.

Inflammatory forms of arthritis may not be easy to categorize. Sometimes it will be obvious that inflammation is present and is a prominent component of the symptom complex. However, a specific diagnosis may not be apparent. Eventually most forms of inflammatory arthritis do “declare” themselves and ultimately fall into a category. But not always! This is a situation where a skilled diagnostician and clinician is worth their weight in gold!

On the other hand, non-inflammatory types of arthritis cause symptoms based on mechanical factors. Often degenerative arthritis affects weight-bearing joints such as the neck, low back, hips, and knees. It tends to occur in older people. While it may progress, it does so relatively slowly. It is rarely, if ever, associated with constitutional symptoms. In fact if constitutional symptoms are present, then either the patient has more than non-inflammatory arthritis or has another illness in addition to their arthritis. This is the type of arthritis people often associate with getting older.

Non-inflammatory types of arthritis may also be confusing some times. An example is a condition like fibromyalgia where the pain occurs pretty much all over. Symptomatic and subjective joint swelling may make the clinical diagnosis difficult.

The distinction between inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis is made on the basis of a careful history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.

Sometimes a patient can have both types of arthritis. For instance it is not uncommon for a patient with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis to also have degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) in a knee or hip.

Interestingly, when an arthroscope (small telescope) is used to visualize the interior of a joint, almost all types of arthritis have an inflammatory component to them. The extent and type of inflammatory change though varies from disease to disease.

The treatment for inflammatory arthritis will vary. While anti-inflammatory medicines are sometimes helpful, it may be necessary to start disease modifying drug therapy. Again the skill and experience of the arthritis specialist is paramount in determining which direction to head. Obviously, if the inflammatory arthritis becomes more well-defined, then treatment becomes easier to define as well.

The key point to remember is that if you do have arthritis, it’s important to seek the opinion of an expert arthritis specialist.