Arthritis & Rheumatism

There are over 100 types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. This site provides the latest arthritic and rheumatic information including the treatment options available.



Arthritis is a common disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This can be felt in the person's joints, skin and organs inside the body. Should the person feel anything wrong, it is advisable to go straight to the doctor. Doctors have discovered that there are over 100 types of arthritis. Given the number, the doctor will not be able to know which one is affecting the person without an examination.

There are 2 common forms of arthritis. The first is rheumatoid arthritis which is considered a chronic disease. There is inflammation in the joints caused by cartilage damage. Anyone who has this will suffer long term joint damage that will lead to chronic pain and disability. Pain is usually felt when waking up in the morning and will gradually disappear during the day.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a problem that will not go away. This happens in three stages. The first is swelling. The second is the rapid division and growth of cells. The third is when these cells release enzymes that will eat the bone causing the joint to lose shape until the person will not be able to move it anymore.

Since this is systemic disease, it can spread and affect other organs in the body. The best way to prevent is from happening is detecting it early to prevent the person from being disabled. This can be treated with proper medication and therapy. There many drugs available that the patient can use. Some drugs offer pain relief to reduce the inflammation. Others can just do one function.

The second is called osteoarthritis. This happens more often than rheumatoid arthritis but unlike the first, there is no inflammation present. The cartilage in the joint is damaged and will eventually degenerate. Pain will slightly be felt when the person gets up but this will hurt later on during the day. Osteoarthritis can either be primary or secondary. When it is primary, it is often associated with age. It is similar to a car where the parts have to be replaced due to wear and tear. Doctors consider this to be normal as people grow older.

The secondary type is often associated with something else that has caused this to happen. Some of these factors are an injury that took place, heredity, obesity and bone density. Osteoarthritis can be treated with medication, exercise, weight control, joint protection, physical and occupational therapy. This is done to relieve the pain and slow the progression of the disease. Both of these are caused by different things. The common thing between these 2 types is that joint pain can happen anywhere in the body.

Given the many medications available to treat this disease, the patient has to be aware of the side effects of each before choosing which one to use. The doctor should explain these to the person in order to make the right decision.



Saturday, October 13, 2007

Learning If You Have The Signs Of Arthritis

A sudden twinge in an elbow, shoulder, knee or another joint is probably not arthritis. Most forms of arthritis develop slowly, striking first in the hands. Instead, you've probably irritated the soft tissue around the joint. This ailment--really a family of ailments including bursitis, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome--calls for a slightly different approach to treatment than arthritis. Arthritis sufferers endure more days in severe pain, experience more days with limited ability to perform daily activities, and have more difficulty performing personal-care routines than people without arthritis. As with other chronic pain conditions, arthritis has negative effects on mental health. Soft-tissue inflammation is not a natural consequence of aging. Most cases can be traced to excessive exercise...or to a job-related activity involving repetitive motion. The pain is usually apparent within 24 hours of overuse. It can range from a dull ache to shooting pain.

COMMON SOFT-TISSUE INJURIES Rotator cuff tendinitis affects the tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place. Common among swimmers and other athletes, this ailment can make it hard to get dressed or lie down. Shoulder bursitis--very common among gardeners and house painters--is caused by repeated pressure on shoulder bursae, fluidfilled "cushions" that protect the joints. It becomes painful to move the arm away from the body. Tennis elbow strikes carpenters, gardeners, mechanics, dentists...and tennis players who use poor form or a tightly strung racket. The pain makes it hard to shake hands or ligt a briefcase. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an inflammation of tissue surrounding the median nerve of the hand. Symptoms include weakness, pain, burning or aching in the wrist and/or hand.

Usually caused by repeated hand motions, like those used by checkout clerks, seamstresses and computer operators. Prepatellar bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa in front of the kneecap (patella). It is common in people who must stand or kneel for extended periods. The pain is rarely severe. Shin splints involve pain in the front of the lower leg. Most cases are caused by repetitive exercise--especially running on hard surfaces. This can injure muscle and tendon tissue. Achilles tendinitis--inflammation of the Achilles tendon--is common among basketball and squash players and runners(especially those who run on concrete or in flimsy shoes). Symptoms include pain, swelling and tenderness in the heel. Plantar fascitis involves a tear in the ligament connecting the arch to the heel. It causes a burning pain on the sole of the foot and the heel, making it painful to walk or stand on your toes. Common among runners.

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa near the hip. Symptoms include pain in the hip and thigh, especially when you walk, rise from a chair or lie on the affected side. Imagine your life without joint & muscle pain. Imagine the freedom to effortlessly, and without notice, go about your life exercising, participating in sports, walking on the beach, playing with your children, Living Life As You Once Did. Without Agonizing Pain. Without Aching Joints. Without Muscle Pain! Please review some of our products for joint and muscle pain relief from conditions such as neck pain, lower back ache, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or more. http://www.alternative-health-supplements.com/arthritis-joint-relief.html

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