as of November 7, 2009
Arthritis Corner
OVERVIEW
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of chronic arthritis and is more likely to occur as you age. You may feel it in any of your joints, but most commonly in your hips, knees or fingers.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:
-Being overweight
-Previously injuring the affected joint
-Using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on the joint (baseball players, ballet dancers, and construction workers are all at risk)
Arthritis can occur in men and women of all ages. About 37 million people in America have arthritis of some kind, which is almost 1 out of every 7 people.
SYMPTOMS
If you have arthritis, you may experience:
-Joint pain
-Joint swelling
-Stiffness, especially in the morning
-Warmth around a joint
-Redness of the skin around a joint
-Reduced ability to move the joint
CARE/TREATMENT
Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Your age and occupation will also be taken into consideration when your doctor works with you to create a treatment plan.
If possible, treatment will focus on eliminating the underlying cause of the arthritis. However, the cause is NOT necessarily curable, as with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment, therefore, aims at reducing your pain and discomfort and preventing further disability.
It is possible to greatly improve your symptoms from osteoarthritis and other long-term types of arthritis without medications. In fact, making lifestyle changes without medications is preferable for osteoarthritis and other forms of joint inflammation. If needed, medications should be used in addition to lifestyle changes.
PREVENTION
If arthritis is diagnosed and treated early, you can prevent joint damage. Find out if you have a family history of arthritis and share this information with your doctor, even if you have no joint symptoms.
Osteoarthritis may be more likely to develop if you abuse your joints (injure them many times or over-use them while injured). Take care not to overwork a damaged or sore joint. Similarly, avoid excessive repetitive motions.
Excess weight also increases the risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. See the article on body mass index to learn whether your weight is healthy.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Arthritis
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In the News: Arthritis
Link Between Childhood Physical Abuse And Arthritis
Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169645.php
Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers. University of Toronto researchers investigated the relationship between self-reported childhood physical abuse and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA).
News From The Annals Of Internal Medicine, Nov. 3, 2009
Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169578.php
Early Releases 1. Report Questions Whether Family Health History Disclosure Improves Clinical Decision Making Systematic collection of family history is a potentially important step in personalizing healthcare. Family health history can reveal important information about a patient, and may prompt specialist investigation or positive lifestyle changes.