Arthritis 101

Arthritis continues to be one of the joints' worst enemies. Our joints absorb the impact of our day-to-day living, such as walking, carrying, flexing, and playing. Arthritis affects the joint in several ways, depending on the type. The precise cause of the more than 100 varieties of arthritis isn't known; but some are brought on through trauma, disease or simply the natural aging process

Arthritis is the major cause of disability in the U.S. In one form or other, it presently affects forty million Americans. Most of the 100+ types of arthritis can be classified into one of 3 basic types; degenerative, inflammatory, or traumatic.

Degenerative arthritis is the most common, and it touches just about sixteen million people in the United States alone. This is a non-inflammatory, degenerative disease that causes the joint cartilage to breakdown. This in time allows the bones to grind together. Also known as osteoarthritis, the causes are largely unknown.

Inflammatory arthritis is a prolonged disease that also happens for unknown reasons. It occurs most often when the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue. The most common form of inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Often referred to as rheumatism, it occurs when the body attacks the synovial membrane of the joint. This is a sac of fluid that serves as a buffer between the joints. The synovial membrane becomes inflamed, chemicals are released, and that in turn causes the synovial fluid to thicken. The damage to the synovium causes painfulness and swelling that results in damage to the cartilage.

Traumatic arthritis is often the result of a serious hip, knee or shoulder injury. This can result from a fracture or severe traumatic event that leads to yet another problem condition called avascular necrosis. In this condition the blood supply to the affected bones is cut off. As a result, the surrounding cartilage starts deteriorating. This condition occurs most often in the hip……….especially among the elderly.

Symptoms are dependent upon the type that of arthritis you are experiencing. Correctly describing the type of pain that you are experiencing will help guide your physician to a correct and early diagnosis and treatment plan. Be aware of the pain that is continuous or intermittent; as well as that which occurs after exercising. Some pain may be most noticeable after a period of resting; your pain may be localized, or you may be experiencing it all over your body. The slightest activity may cause discomfort. Be prepared to give your doctor all this information.

Early diagnosis and early treatment, directed to the exact type of arthritis that you have, is vital to limiting the physical deficits that you may experience as the disease progresses. Proper medical testing is the only way to diagnose arthritis and to formulate proper care. Modern treatment is designed to enable you to remain functional and as pain free as possible. There are arthritis specialists called rheumatologists. These specialists have the most up-to-date understanding of the arthritis condition. They will be the most qualified to prescribe appropriate therapies and proper treatments for your individual case.

If you think that you have arthritis, check with your physician as soon as possible. The sooner you find the root cause of your pain and discomfort, the more quickly you are able to begin the most appropriate treatment.