Fighting arthritis

It is not always true that arthritis is a natural part of ageing. This means, you are not too young to have arthritis. Now doctors believe that at the outset it could be persistent and painless. You may be still in your 20's or 30's or even younger at that time. Lot of common and serious forms are found in children and young adults. Believe it or not, there are more than 150 different types of arthritis. But most of us are aware about Osteoarthritis (noninflammatory) or Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory) or sometimes Gout (metabolic disturbances). In fact, what is arthritis? It is a common name for a variety of diseases which affect the muscles joints and skeleton. It is also known as musculoskeletal disorder. It is the result of inflammatory or degenerative processes involving the joints. Patient with arthritis can have severe pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of movement or deformity.

Arthritis is not uncommon in this region; millions of our countrymen have some form of arthritis. We don't have scientific statistical data; but according to medical practitioners, it could be one of the most common chronic diseases in the country. It is interesting that the term arthritis differs from the term 'rheumatic disease' in that arthritis is a disease of joints, while 'rheumatic disease' may also affect other organs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease affecting women three times more than men. It can develop gradually, or can start with a sudden, severe attack. Most commonly, it develops between the age of 25 and 50. But it is not uncommon in either children or elderly people. With an inflammation of the joints along with over production of synovial fluid, there could be swollen and painful joints. Ultimately damage to the cartilage can cause joint deformities. This form of arthritis usually has a subacute presentation with symmetric involvement of multiple joints. Although joints of the hands and wrists (morning stiffness is important) are most commonly affected, but it could also involve knees and other joints including temporomandibular joint (of interest to the dentist).

When RA was given its name in the 19th century, those who experienced from it had little to think other than spending a life in a wheelchair. Even in 1950's a small number of treatments were available other than aspirin or cortisone. In our day the most useful treatments are combination therapies. Although researchers have revealed a genetic marker, but not all RA sufferers have the marker, which makes them wonder whether RA is a single disease. At the time of initial diagnosis, disease modifying treatment should be promptly implemented to minimise the likelihood of disease progression. It is advisable to contact a specialist (medicine, if possible rheumatologist) doctor. Sometimes it may be confused with Osteoarthritis. To make the diagnosis straightway, laboratory tests (especially ESR, and to identify an antigen called rheumatoid factor or RF) and X-rays are important.

But it is important to know that rheumatoid factor is not specific for RA as patients with other rheumatic conditions (SLE, Sjogren's syndrome) may have positive RF. As well as up to 25 per cent of patients with clinical RA have no positive RF. But 'MRI' will be a useful tool to diagnose this painful condition; and it is possible in our country. All you need is a knowledgeable expert. The management usually involves a combination of health education, medication, weight loss, exercise depending upon the form of arthritis and your situation, rest and understanding of how to protect the joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA) results from wear and tear on the joint cartilage and secondary mechanical distraction of the joint. At least 33 per cent of adults between the ages 25 and 75 have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Most of the time you will not believe anything is wrong until you're in your 40's, from time to time in 50's and start to feel that the problem may be affecting your bones. Although trauma could be an underlying cause for osteoarthritis, then again according to some studies, most of the cases usually result from ageing. The most common sites to develop are the small joints of the feet, the knees, and the vertebral column.

The management usually involves a combination of health education, medication, weight loss, physical therapy, rest and understanding of how to protect the joints. The goals for the osteoarthritis sufferers are to prevent disability, delay progression and reduce pain which is described as deep aching, aggravated by joint use and relieved by joint rest. Some tips to keep your joints cartilage as healthy as possible: Keep moving (but avoid high-stress activities that pound on knees or hips).Stay slim and build muscle.

Inflammatory arthritis can result from crystal deposits commonly known as gout and pseudogout. Gout is an acute arthritis usually involves a single joint. It primarily affects men over the age of 40. The onset of the attack is abrupt, and symptoms peak within 24 hours. Although great toe is the classic site of involvement, but ankles, wrists and knees could also be involved. Weight reduction, exercise, proper diet for and proper medication are important interventions for people with gout. Today, there are many kind of medications that people take when they develop arthritis. Some are commonly used for pain and some have to be prescribed cautiously. But try to remember that when the regular medication is started, full blood count, liver, kidney and urine testing for protein must be performed routinely. The time schedule for these tests depends on what type of drugs one is taking. So don't forget to ask your doctor on this issue.

Days are changing, newer medicines and managements are making life more Comfortable. Although these types of diseases are always very tricky, but doctors are hopeful ­- it is becoming easier more and more to manage this unwanted problem. Just keep in your mind : fighting against arthritis -- something can be done.