Arthritis and World

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often starts with pain in the joints of the hands, especially in the knuckles and wrists , and often both hands simultaneously

There are different types of the disease – many inflammatory, for example rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and others more degenerative in nature, Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 21 million adults. Arthritis is also a very common condition in Australia affecting people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Osteoarthritis is a disease affecting the joints and affects almost everybody as they get older. Around 8 out of 10 people over the age of 50 are affected.

The process starts with cartilage becoming thin and uneven and then over time, perhaps wearing out completely. At the same time, the joint capsule becomes thicker and more synovial (lubricating) fluid is manufactured which makes the joint swell. In addition to cartilage degeneration, bony spurs grow causing inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

Osteoarthritis can involve all joints of the body, but is most commonly found in the fingers, knees, hips and spine.

The CDC Arthritis Program is working to improve the quality of life for people affected by arthritis and other rheumatic conditions by working with states and other partners to increase awareness about appropriate arthritis self management activities and expanding the reach of programs proven to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.

The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. The term arthritis is used to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.

 feel of arthritis

Arthritis may be preceded or accompanied by a period of fatigue and a feeling of stiffness. This appears more in rheumatoid arthritis than in osteoarthritis.

Pain in the joints in rheumatoid arthritis almost always begins in the hands, especially in the knuckles, and often in both hands simultaneously, as one of the commonest types of inflammatory arthritis.

# Because of the inflammatory reaction, the joints swell and become red, stiff and sore.

     # The problem is worse in the morning than during the day.

    # There can be periods of improvement, which may be followed by a relapse.

Arthritis can affect all joints in the body, and it's impossible to predict which or how many joints will be attacked.

Behaviors  of Arthritis

The disease is unpredictable and the treatment difficult. But there are severalmedical remedies  that can both ease the pain and slow down the spread of the disease and the damage it causes.

    # The medicine must be adjusted from time to time, which means it's important to visit your doctor regularly.

   #  The treatment of arthritis takes great experience, since it never develops in the same way from one person to the next. It often needs to be treated by a specialist (rheumatologist).

  # Surgery can be offered if permanent deformation of the joints develops, despite medication and physiotherapy treatment.

Future attitude

Some doctors may recommend a diet, but there's no evidence that dietary changes alone can ease or stop the development of arthritis.

Simple painkillers can help. When used with caution,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAID)can provide relief from pain, as well as stiffness. These are prescribed more often in rheumatoid arthritis than in osteoarthritis.

Overweight patients should aim to reduce weight with appropriate diet and exercise.

It's important for patients with arthritis to obtain help to keep the muscles and joints active and to be supported in leading a normal life.

Physiotherapists, who are trained to maintain a patient's physical ability and relieve pain, and occupational therapists, who assess physical ability and provide help and advice including aids, play a large part in making life bearable for arthritis sufferers.

During recent years, there has been great progress in the treatment of arthritis – particularly with the use of artificial joints. Some people still have to live with the discomfort of the disease because not all joints can be replaced surgically.

Research has suggested that the natural treatment glucosamine sulphate, taken at a daily dose of 1500mg, is effective in relieving arthritis symptoms – particularly of the knee joints in patients with osteoarthritis rather than rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients benefit from disease modifying drugs, such as sulphasalazine and methotrexate, or even the latest biologic treatments in those who fail with routine drugs (anti-TNF drugs and others (rituximab).