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ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
By peace | February 10, 2006
Although there are many different types of arthritis, the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
One of the most common problems affecting the elderly is wear and tear on the joints which can lead to a number of disorders. Among them is osteoarthritis. Nine out of ten people over the age of 40 have some degree of osteoarthritis. However, many of these people do not have any symptoms and do not know they have it.
Osteoarthritis is more common in people who have over used their joints, especially in people who have been very active in sports and people who are overweight. Also, any joint that has had an injury is more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis in the future. However osteoarthritis more commonly affects people for no apparent reason and it can run in families.
Osteoarthritis affects the smooth covering of the end of the bones, the part which comes in contact with the joint. In osteoarthritis this covering becomes damaged and begins to flake and roughen so that it is no longer smooth. Once the smooth covering has become damaged like this it will never be smooth again. Moving the joint becomes difficult and can be painful. Because of the pain and the restriction of movement the person with osteoarthritis is less likely to use the muscles that work that joint, so the muscles gradually weaken.
The person with osteoarthritis may have periods of pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected joint. This pain may develop over months or even years. In a few cases the pain may be bad enough to disturb sleep and everyday life. Sometimes the pain can seem to come from other parts of the body. For example, the pain caused by osteoarthritis of the hip can sometimes seem to come from the knee.
Often, osteoarthritis does not become a serious problem. But, if the symptoms remain troublesome over a period of time, you should see your doctor. Treatment may include medications, such as acetaminophen or aspirin which help to bring down the swelling, or exercise, heat or ice therapy.
Sometimes surgery will be needed. The most common operation is a replacement of the hip joint. This has proved successful in about 90 per cent of cases.
There are many things a person with osteoarthritis can do to help themselves. One way is to maintain a healthy weight. If a person is overweight it puts more stress and strain on the affected joints. Losing weight can help to reduce the stress and strain on the joints. Some people find household aids such as handrails for the bathroom and bedroom, and specially designed chairs helpful. Exercises taught by a trained therapist can also be helpful.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the joint lining and can affect people of any age. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood yet. It is known that it can spread to other parts of the body and, in severe cases, the joint itself may become damaged.
The most commonly affected joints with rheumatoid arthritis are the small ones in the hands and feet, mainly the knuckles and toe joints. However, it can also affect the wrists, ankles and neck. Joints with rheumatoid arthritis are swollen, tender to touch and painful.
If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis you should see your family doctor. Your doctor may arrange for you to see a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats and studies disorders which affect joints and connective tissue of the body.
People with rheumatoid arthritis are usually stiffest first thing in the morning. Often this stiffness decreases or goes away with exercise as the day goes on. However, the degree of rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person. Some people will have it in only one or two joints. Others may find it becomes much more widespread, making any movement very difficult.
Treatment of mild cases involves rest, medication and sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs. More severe cases may require anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone drugs, gold injections, other drug treatments or joint replacement surgery.
Statistics show that about 25 per cent of all people who have rheumatoid arthritis do reasonably well and are able to do heavy work. Another 25 per cent will need regular medication and are able to do light work. Another 40 per cent are disabled but remain able to walk. Only 10 per cent of people with rheumatoid arthritis will be severely disabled by the disease.
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