Introduction:

Arthritis is a joint disorder. A joint is an area where two different bones meet. The function of the joint is to allow smooth movement. With arthritis, inflammation of one or more joints occurs. It can cause pain, stiffness in the joints and the surrounding tissues. Arthritis can affect any joint, any part of the body. There are close to 100 forms of arthritis.

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Causes:

The cause of arthritis depends on its form. Determining a single cause of arthritis can be difficult. Often several factors contribute to developing arthritis. The factors are genetics, environment, hormones, age, weight, injury, occupational hazard, sports and due to illness or infection caused by bacterial or viruses.

Back to top^ When one or combination of these causes the cartilage, which normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement, it leads to breakdown of cartilage, which results in arthritis. The function of the cartilage is also to absorb shock when pressure is placed on the joint. With arthritis, the cartilage is unable to absorb shock or protect the joint. Because of this, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

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Types of Arthritis:

The major types of arthritis are Osteo arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and juvenile arthritis.

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Osteo arthritis:

The chances of getting osteo arthritis increases with age. Only one joint is affected and usually a large one like the hip, knee, foot and hand. It usually results from wear and tear of joints.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis:

It chiefly affects young adults between ages 25 and 55. Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men. It can occur in children and is referred to as Still’s Disease. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers. Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs. It usually results when the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is the cell lining inside the joint.

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Juvenile Arthritis:

Most prevalent in children under the age of 16, more girls than boys are affected by juvenile arthritis. Some children may develop this type from infancy to age five. As the children grow, they may develop one of the adult forms of arthritis. It is believed to be caused by the immune system affecting the body similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

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Fibromyalgia:

Women, more than men are affected with Fibromyalgia. For those affected with fribromyalgia, even a slight pressure can cause pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Emotional stress, illness, genetic factor are believed to be the cause for Juvenile arthritis.

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Symptoms:

Symptoms associated with arthritis are joint swelling, stiffness, especially in the morning hours, warmth around a joint, redness of the skin around a joint and reduced ability to move the joint.

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Diagnosis and Tests:

A proper diagnosis is required to decide the type of arthritis, its symptoms and the future course of treatment to be adopted. Arthritis specialists or rheumatologist will begin with a review of the history of symptoms, and also undertake a physical examination of the joints. The purpose it is find the areas of inflammation or signs of disease. You will be asked certain questions related to pain, swelling or inflammation and any other difficulty. You will also be asked to take certain tests based on suspected cause. You may be required to take blood, urine, and joint fluid and or x-ray tests. The test results will help understand the exact nature of the illness.

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Treatment available:

The future course of treatment will depend on the your body, the joints which are affected and its affects, gender, the severity of the problem, age, occupation, any other underlying background medical conditions as well as genetic disposition.

Back to top^ As a first step, your physician will focus on eliminating the underlying cause of arthritis. In cases where the cause is not curable, as with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, treatment will aim at reducing pain and discomfort and prevent further damage. In other cases, the treatment programs would be nonprescription and prescription medications, joint injections and surgical operations, if required. On a case-to-case basis, if need be, complete rest, weight reduction programs and changes in lifestyle will be recommended. The goal of the treatment is to reduce joint pain and inflammation at the same time preventing damage and improving joint function.

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How to cope with arthritis:

You are not alone. 19 million adults in US suffer from arthritis. Here are coping tips to help you decrease pain, improve function, stay productive, and feel better.

• Learn techniques to reduce pain and practice consistently.
• Opt for therapies like massage, movement therapies or acupuncture.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat well avoid certain foods.
• Don’t adopt self-cure options meet a rheumatologist.
• Avoid injury
• Take good rest.
• Never sit or sleep in the same position
• Take extra care of affected joints
• Do not over work in terms of positions or movements.
• Learn stress reduction techniques and practice.
• If required make modifications for easy movement at home.
• Take medications regularly.

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Ways to prevent arthritis:

Early diagnosis of arthritis is the first step towards preventing joint damage. Check if you have a family history of arthritis. If so, it is best to seek medical attention if you do not have symptoms. There are other ways to prevent arthritis, which includes avoiding injury, taking precautions while exercising, maintaining an ideal weight, taking calcium supplements, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water which can work as a lubricant and doing exercises to increase flexibility of joints.

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Medications available at IDM:

A variety of prescription medications are available for arthritis treatment at www.internationaldrugmart.com. Buy arthritis treatment medications Anaprox (Naproxen), Arava (Leflunomide), Celebrex (Celecoxib), Colchicine (Colchicine), Feldene (Piroxicam), Mobic (Meloxicam), Naprosyn (Naproxen), Zyloprim (Allopurinol), Motrin (Ibuprofen), Naprelan (Naproxen), Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine), Imuran (Azathioprine) and make incredible savings.

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Self-care tips:

Here are few simple, effective arthritis self-care tips that can help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

• Never miss or postpone appointments with physician
• Take medications regularly.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• If gaining weight, consult physician.
• Do exercises only after consultation with doctor.
• Don’t feel tempted to eat foods not recommended.
• Take precautions to prevent injuries.
• Take plenty of water.
• Be consistent in caring for yourself.