Juliet Cohen asked:


Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections, and for unclear reasons (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). There are many forms of arthritis .There are about 200 different kinds of arthritis. The most common type is osteoarthritis (or degenerative arthritis), where the cartilage that protects the bones gets worn away. This makes joints stiff, painful and creaky. About 5 million people in the UK have osteoarthritis. OA is a chronic degenerative arthropathy that frequently leads to chronic pain and disability. With the aging of our population, this condition is becoming increasing prevalent and its treatment increasingly financially burdensome. Using radiographic criteria, the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the hand have been identified as the joints most commonly affected by OA, but they are the least likely to be symptomatic. Age is the most consistently identified risk factor for OA, regardless of the joint being studied. Prevalence rates for both radiographic OA and, to a lesser extent, symptomatic OA rise steeply after age 50 in men and age 40 in women. Occupation-related repetitive injury and physical trauma contribute to the development of secondary (non-idiopathic) OA, sometimes occurring in joints that are not affected by primary (idiopathic) OA, such as the metacarpophalangeal joints, wrists and ankles.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s defence mechanisms go into action when there’s no threat and start attacking the joints and sometimes other parts of the body. RA affects 2.1 million Americans, or about 1% of the adult population in the United States. This disease is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men, and generally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. However, young children can develop a form of RA called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Two of the 100 types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. There are specific symptoms, distinguishing characteristics, as well as overlapping symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Rheumatoid arthritis is an additive polyarthritis, with the sequential addition of involved joints, in contrast to the migratory or evanescent arthritis of systemic lupus erythematosus or the episodic arthritis of gout. Occasionally, patients experience an explosive polyarticular onset occurring over 24 to 48 hours. Morning stiffness, persisting more than one hour but often lasting several hours, may be a feature of any inflammatory arthritis but is especially characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Its duration is a useful gauge of the inflammatory activity of the disease.

Psoriatic arthritis is related to the skin condition psoriasis. It occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27. There are five clinical patterns of psoriatic arthritis. First is Asymmetrical mono- and oligoarticular arthritis (30-50% of cases) is the most common presentation of psoriatic arthritis. Second is symmetrical polyarticular arthritis (30-50% of cases) is ultimately the most common form of psoriatic arthritis. Third is distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint involvement (25% of cases) is nearly always associated with nail manifestationsm. Fourth is Arthritis mutilans is affects less than 5% of patients and is a severe, deforming and destructive arthritis. This condition can progress over months or years causing severe joint damage. Fifth is Axial arthritis (30-35% of cases) may be different in character from ankylosing spondylitis, the prototypical HLA-B27-associated spondyloarthropathy. It may present as sacro-iliitis, which may be asymmetrical and asymptomatic, or spondylitis, which may occur without sacro-iliitis and may affect any level of the spine in “skip” fashion. Genetic factors appear to play an important role. There is a 70% concordance for psoriasis in monozygotic twins. There is a 50-fold increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis in first-degree relatives of patients with the disease. Environmental factors have been implicated. Streptococcal infection can precipitate the development of guttate psoriasis. HIV infection can present with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as worsen existing disease.

Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. Gout was once incorrectly thought to be a disease of the rich and famous, caused by consuming too much rich food and fine wine. Gout is a disease due to a congenital disorder of uric acid metabolism. Uric acid is produced when purines are broken down by enzymes in the liver. Purines can be generated by the body itself (via the breakdown of cells in normal cellular turnover) or can be ingested in purine-rich foods (e.g. seafood, beer). Gout usually attacks the big toe (approximately 75% of first attacks), however it can also affect other joints such as the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and spine. In some cases the condition may appear in the joints of the small toes which have become immobile due to impact injury earlier in life, causing poor blood circulation that leads to gout. Chronic gout can lead to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, decreased kidney function, and kidney stones. An acute attack of gout is a highly inflammatory arthritis often with intense swelling, redness and warmth surrounding the joint. The inflammatory component is so intense, an acute attack of gout is often mistaken for a bacterial cellulitis. Gout is mainly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Corticosteroids (also called steroids), may be prescribed for people who cannot take NSAIDs. Steroids also work by decreasing inflammation. Steroids can be injected into the affected joint or given as pills. Colchicine is often used to treat gout and usually begins working within a few hours of taking it.

Septic arthritis also known is Pyogenic arthritis. Septic arthritis is infection, usually bacterial, in the joint cavity. Septic arthritis usually affects just one joint, though occasionally it may occur in more than one joint at a time. It is the most dangerous form of acute arthritis. The joint cavity is usually a sterile space, with synovial fluid and cellular matter including a few white blood cells. Many different types of bacteria (germs) can cause septic arthritis. Infection with a bacterium called Staph. aureus is the most common cause. Septic arthritis is inflammation of a synovial membrane with purulent effusion into the joint capsule, usually due to bacterial infection. This disease entity also is referred to in the literature as bacterial, suppurative, purulent, or infectious arthritis. The most common bacterial isolates in native joints include gram-positive cocci, with S. aureus found in 40% to 50% of the cases. Septic arthritis is uncommon from age 3 to adolescence. Children with septic arthritis are more likely than adults to be infected with group B streptococcus and Haemophilus influenza. Young children and older adults are most likely to develop septic arthritis. As the population ages, doctors are finding that septic arthritis is becoming more common. Symptoms of septic arthritis occur suddenly and are characterized by severe pain, swelling in the affected joint along with acute pain. Chills and fever are also common symptoms. Chronic septic arthritis (which occurs less frequently) is caused by organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans. The knee and the hip are the most commonly infected joints.

cyndee_45 asked:


I have osteoarthritis in my neck, lower back, wrists and ankles. I take prescription anti inflamitories and muscle relaxers in order to go to work. I work 10 hrs a day on my feet constantly moving, stretching and bending. While this movement is good for my arthritis, it can get really painful by the end of the day. I feel like I am up a creek without a paddle most of the time, especially after a 3 day workout. Then I just totally crash. I am tired of waking up with swollen hands, having a crick in my back and limping for a while after sitting down for 30 minutes.

Chuck Arnone asked:


progress in the field of arthritis and nutrition is slow, we fully expect to see further justification of these theories as medical science progresses.Here is a brief look at the ongoing research of arthritis and nutrition. There has been a lot of research that identifies the relationship between arthritis and nutrition.

Arthritis means inflammation of a joint or joints. Arthritis is usually caused by what people eat and drink and is becoming very common in people of all ages which will probably affect 90% of people by the age of 60. Arthritis is a poorly understood condition but some scientists believe that rheumatoid arthritis is the result of a micro-organism or other foreign substance in the body. Arthritis is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases and becomes more prevalent as we age. Arthritis is one of the most common chronic degenerative conditions today, affecting as many as 100 million people worldwide. Can the foods you eat cause or affect your arthritis? Diet is a major role player in the onset of arthritis. There are some scientific reasons to think that the foods you eat could affect certain kinds of arthritis.

Evidence shows that excessive weight and the type of diet you follow may influence symptoms of certain types of arthritis and related conditions. Research has shown several connections between food, nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids) and certain forms of arthritis or related conditions, such as gout, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and reactive arthritis. Healthcare professionals strongly recommend that people with arthritis follow a diet based on variety, balance and moderation. The treatment for arthritis usually focuses on medications that reduce inflammation, which decreases pain and increases mobility.

Advancements have shown to be extremely effective in both preventing and managing many forms of arthritis by all natural nutritional supplements. Nutrition and exercise are beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers in additional to medical therapy. To give the body proper nutrition, a person has to eat and drink enough of the foods that contain key nutrients. It is almost impossible to get a daily balanced diet so the logical answer is to allocate a portion of your food budget to include a nutritional supplement product that supplies the recommended daily minimums. It is best for overall health when that can be attained through improved nutrition instead of toxic drugs. But then again, a lack of evidence doesn’t rule out the power of good nutrition–researchers could find no explicit link between red meat and RA either. Emphasis on nutrition is a meaningful choice and can give you control over your arthritis. While conventional medicine often helps to ease the symptoms, nutritional supplements can also have powerful effect in assisting keeping this debilitating condition in check.

It seems like we hear conflicting news about what we should and shouldn’t eat at every turn, but experts have pinpointed specific foods and supplements that can actually decrease the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis when combined with regular exercise. Other supplements that have been in the news a lot lately – glucosamine and chondriton – help the body repair damaged tissue, slow down joint degeneration and improve joint function and mobility. Give some of our suggestions a try: Exercise at least 3 times a week and watch your weight. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains and adhere to a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet. Moderate your sugar intake, consider using sugar substitutes if you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation and avoid tobacco use. Take recommended supplements with your doctor’s approval. Drink eight glasses of water per day and get 8 hours of sleep each night.In addition, changes to diet and the use of certain nutritional supplements may also help to relieve symptoms. Liquid dietary supplements have several advantages over tablets and capsules. Liquid vitamins and mineral supplements have a greater absorption rate than any other form of supplementation. The effective use of nutritional supplements and natural diet saves money, pain and lives.

The first step is to insure you get the basic nutrition through proper diet and exercise. Just as it is for people without arthritis, maintaining a balance in the foods you choose is important. While exercise is important for overall health, for people with stiff joints and decreased mobility, it can really help offset the consequences of this condition. Begin your exercise program and take it slow and easy. Too much exercise, especially jogging, or anything that is hard on the joints, is not helpful and can cause traumatic arthritis. However, some mild daily exercise such as walking is generally best and does not stress the joints as does any vigorous exercise.

Studies have shown a connection between foods, vitamin supplementation, and fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids) can only help certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Oily fish such as wild Alaskan salmon, walnuts, freshly ground flaxseed or a good omega-3 supplement may help reduce the inflammation and pain of arthritis. Research also suggests that a diet rich in Omega 3 EPA may help reduce the pain of inflammation associated with some forms of joint pain. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids from plant foods such as flaxseed and oil, nuts and seeds, avocados, olive and canola oils (just to name a few) is renown for preventing and even reversing osteoarthritis.

Exercise is needed and more of it working up to an hour a day. The benefits will far outweigh the consequences of being unfit, sick and eating away at your savings from medical expenses!

Steven Godlewski asked:


Over 100 known forms of arthritis are making millions of people suffer today. The most weakening of all forms is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms are joints that ache, throb, and eventually become deformed. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms often find it hard to do everyday tasks, like taking a walk, or opening a car or jar. Some with rheumatoid arthritis have joints that are so deformed they are unable to even do the simplest job. No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but many believe it is the body’s immune system attacking the lining of your joints. This lining called the synovium.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms are more common in women than in men and will usually strike an adult between the ages of 20 to 50. That is the general criteria for rheumatoid arthritis symptom sufferers, but people over 50 and children can also be affected.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms usually develop in several joints at the same time. The first parts of your body that show signs of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are usually your wrists, shoulders, hands, and feet. As the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms gradually get worse, it will attack the elbows, hips, neck, and jaw as well. It normally affects both sides at the same time.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may appear as small lumps under skin where there are pressure points near your elbows, hands, feet, and Achilles tendons. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can develop in other areas of your body, but that’s where they start. At some point, you may experience rheumatoid nodules on the back of your scalp, around your knees, and even in your lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can develop your salivary glands, linings of your lungs and heart, and sometimes the tear duct glands. These lumps are usually not painful. They can be the size of a pea or the size of a walnut.

Here are some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some of those Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are:

Aching and stiffness of joints and muscles, especially after a time of rest. Pain and swelling in the joints, especially the smaller ones like in the hand. Loss of motion in the joints. Low-grade fever. Strength is lost in the muscles attached to the affected joints. Chronic fatigue when there is a flare-up of the disease. Deformity of joints. A general sense of just not feeling well. Unable to pinpoint exactly why they feel bad.

Any or all of these rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may come and go, but largely depend on what type of activity you are taking part in.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms do not go away, but it does come in “episodes.” A person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may go into remission for a period, and then have another flare up of pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty sleeping. You may experience a flare up, and then have several weeks or months of remission before it attacks again. There isn’t any reason why a person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can’t be productive and useful lives while working around the attacks of your rheumatoid arthritis.

Some researchers theorize that rheumatoid arthritis could be the result of an infection or inflammation. When your body experiences an infection or inflammation, it sends white blood cells through the bloodstream and attacks the lining of the joints. Their usual job is to attack bacteria and viruses in the body instead it attacks the lining of the joints.

Other risk factors can increase your chances of having rheumatoid arthritis. Risk is increased as you age. The good news is if you are over the age of 80, the risk decreases.

You also have a higher risk of having rheumatoid arthritis if you are a woman, and if you have been exposed to a virus or bacteria. Although the disease is not inherited, there is evidence that specific genes you inherit could make you more prone to this arthritis.

Last, smoking cigarettes over a many years can also increase your chances of rheumatoid arthritis.

There isn’t a cure for rheumatoid arthritis yet. Scientists and researchers are still searching for the cause when that is found hopefully a cure would follow.

With the proper treatment, change in lifestyles, and a plan to prevent joints from deforming, a person experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may still be able to live a productive and long life. Deformity or swelling may limit your flexibility, but even in the most severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, you will probably still keep flexibility in most of your joints.

Confused asked:


I would like to know #1 what causes arthritis and #2 is it something that just shows up after a bad auto accident?
Thanks.

Joyce asked:


I’m not sure what kind of arthritis I have. I always assumed that it was osteoarthritis because I don’t have any disfigured joints. However, after reading more about rheumatoid arthritis, I wonder if I have that. My joints all over are stiff and achy and my fingers are puffy. I heard that fish oil is good. How much of this can I safely take? What about other supplements? Thanks!

Mary Katherine asked:


My dog is twelve years old and about sixty-five pounds. He has arthritis pain in his legs. My family is wondering what to give him and how much. We’re looking for an over the counter remedies though. Thanks everyone.