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Topics presented at our live & learn programs: information & screenings to help you stay healthy
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Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness
of the joints. It sometimes also causes redness or swelling. In
severe cases, joints may become deformed.
There are different kinds of arthritis. Two common forms are osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of other forms of arthritis
include gout and arthritis that occurs after an injury or with
certain infections, such as gonorrhea.
Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of the cartilage cushioning
in joints. It can also cause the bones in joints to become rough.
Osteoarthritis occurs most often in weight-bearing joints, such
as the spine, knees, and hips. It also often affects the fingers.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis begin to appear by middle age. Most
people over age 60 have some osteoarthritis, although they may
not have symptoms. Osteoarthritis is more likely to occur in joints
that have been injured and in the joints of overweight people.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease affecting the lining
of the joints. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease. This
means that the body's defenses against infection attack the body's
own tissue. It causes inflammation (redness and swelling), stiffness,
and deformity, especially in the joints of the hands, arms, and
feet, but can affect other parts of your body including connective
tissues and the tissues surrounding organs. Rheumatoid arthritis
can develop at any age, but most often shows up between the ages
of 35 and 50.
Possible symptoms of arthritis include:
· mild to severe pain in joints
· joint swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth
· stiffness and limited movement, especially in the mornings
· deformed joints
Your doctor will review your medical history and examine you.
Your doctor may order blood tests and x-rays to confirm the diagnosis
and measure the extent of the disease.
The aim of treatment is to keep the joints working properly
by relieving the pain and stiffness and by reducing any swelling.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually the first choice for medication.
Anti-inflammatories (for example, aspirin and ibuprofen) and steroids
are also often used. There are new medicines, called COX 2 inhibitors,
which target the chemicals that cause swelling. Your doctor will
prescribe the medication that is best for your particular kind
of arthritis.
Controlling your weight will reduce strain on weight-bearing joints.
Exercise can improve muscle strength, built stamina and allow
joints to move better. Sometimes severely damaged hips and knees
are surgically replaced.
The Moses Taylor HealthInfo Library has many books that can be borrowed to help you learn more about Arthritis. Some of our more popular books are:
Arthritis, An American Yoga Association Wellness Guide, 2001
Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis, 2001
The Johns Hopkins White Papers: Arthritis, 2001
Rheumatoid Arthritis, 2001
Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis, 2002
Arthritis Drugs and More, 2004
Exercises for Arthritis, 2004