Managing arthritis

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Arthritis is a group of conditions that affects the health of the bone joints in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis and osteoarthristis are different kinds of arthritis. Strain and injuries caused by repetitive motion, sports, overexertion, and falls, result in arthritis. Among different kinds of arthristis, osteoarthritis affects older people more.

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury. It is involved in many forms of arthritis. More than 100 joints connect the body's 206 bones. There is a joint cavity between the bones that gives bones freedom to move. What causes arthritis? None knows the exact answer.

Signs and symptoms

Arthritis pain is worst in the morning. Arthritis affected elderly people move less and children refuse to use the affected limb. If Arthritis is accompanied by pain, it can be septic arthritis which is serious and requires refferal to a rheumatologist.

Diagnosis

Pace of beginning, the age and sex of the patient, the amount of (and which) joints affected and symptoms such as psoriasis, iridocyclitics, Raynaud's phenemenon and rheumatoid nodules help distinguish the various types of arthritis. Blodd tests and X-rays of the affected joints are used to distinguish the disease.

Screening blood tests: Full blood count, electrolytes, renal function, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphate, protien electrophoresis, C- reactive protien and erythrocyte sedimentaion rate( ESR)

Specific Tests: Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor ( ANF) extractable nuclear antigen and specific antobodies ( When the ANF is found positive)

Treatment

Surgery and drug treatment, reduction of joint stress, physical and occupational therapy, and pain management are different kinds of treatment. Herbal remedies like Harapagohylum procumbens are also used for the treatment.

Types of arthritis

PRIMARY FORMS OF ARTHRITIS:

• Septic arthrits
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout and pseudogout
• Juvenile arthritis
• Still's disease
• Ankylosing spodylitis

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Henoch-Schonlein purpura
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reiter's syndrome
• Reactive arthritis
• Hemochromatosis
• Hepatitis
• Wegener's granulomatosis
• Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)

• Pierre Marie-Bamberger syndrom
• Multiple myeloma
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Physical activity can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular recommended exersise makes the affected joint stronger and helps control pain. Exersise help replenish lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduce stiffness and pain. It increases stamina by decreasing fatigue. Weight loss can also be attained through regular exercise. The words of Dr. Steven Blair, Exercise Epidemiologist and Director of Epidemiology at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas TX show the role of exercise in managing arthritis. "Skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body and is intricately tied with protein turnover and synthesis and many other metabolic and biochemical functions. Activating skeletal muscle has many important health benefits we are only beginning to understand."

Exercise testing program for individuals with arthritis:

• Muscle strength and endurance
• Aerobic endurance
• Joint flexibility and range of motion
• Neuromuscular fitness, including gait analysis and need for orthotics
• Functional capacity to accomplish activities of daily living

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.