Arthritis: An Overview

More than 21 million Americans have osteoarthritis. Approximately 2.1 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to degenerative arthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance (such as in osteoarthritis), infections (such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease), and an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). Treatment programs, when possible, are often directed toward the precise cause of the arthritis.

If joint pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, loss of motion or deformity occurs, medical evaluation by a health-care professional is warranted. Even minor joint symptoms that persist unexplained for over one week should be evaluated. For many forms of arthritis, it is essential that patients have an early evaluation as it is clear that this can both prevent damage and disability as well as make optimal treatment easier.

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two bones meet. A joint functions to allow movement of the body parts it connects. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differing features, treatments, complications, and prognosis. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, and many have the potential to affect internal body areas as well.

There are many forms of arthritis (over 100 have been described so far, and the number is growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation as a result of an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.

For many patients with arthritis, mild pain relievers such as aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be sufficient treatment. Studies have shown that acetaminophen given in adequate doses can often be equally as effective as prescription anti-inflammatory medications in relieving pain in osteoarthritis.

Since acetaminophen has fewer gastrointestinal side effects than NSAIDS, especially among elderly patients, acetaminophen is often the preferred initial drug given to patients with osteoarthritis. Pain-relieving creams applied to the skin over the joints can provide relief of minor arthritis pain. Examples include capsaicin, salycin, methyl salicylate, and menthol.

Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults. Approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. Over 40 million people in the United States are affected by arthritis, including over a quarter million children! More than half of those with arthritis are under 65 years of age. Nearly 60% of Americans with arthritis are women.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present. Loss of range of motion and deformity can result. Certain forms of arthritis can also be associated with pain and inflammation of tendons surrounding joints.

Some forms of arthritis are more of an annoyance than a serious medical problem. However, millions of people suffer daily with pain and disability from arthritis or its complications.

Moreover, many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling, weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

The treatment of arthritis depends on which particular form of arthritis is present, its location, severity, persistence, and any underlying background medical conditions of the patient. Each treatment program must be customized for the individual patient.

Treatment programs can incorporate home remedies, nonprescription and prescription medications, joint injections, and surgical operations. Some treatment programs involve weight reduction and avoiding activities that exert excessive stress on the joint. The goal of treatment of arthritis is to reduce joint pain and inflammation while preventing damage and improving and maintaining joint function.

Not every person with arthritis requires medical attention. For example, some patients with osteoarthritis have minimal or no pain and may not need treatment. However, for those with persisting joint symptoms, the ideal steps to take should lead to a proper diagnosis and an optimal long-term treatment plan. This plan must be customized for each person affected, depending on the joints involved and the severity of symptoms.

Surgery is generally reserved for those patients with arthritis that is particularly severe and unresponsive to the conservative treatments. Surgical procedures can be performed to relieve pain, improve function, and correct deformity. Occasionally, joint tissue is surgically removed for the purpose of biopsy and diagnosis. Doctors who specialize in joint surgery are orthopedic surgeons.

Currently, prevention of arthritis focuses on avoiding joint injury and early diagnosis and treatment. Research clearly demonstrates that early diagnosis and treatment can result in less damage, deformity, disability, and even mortality in rheumatoid disease.

The treatment of rheumatoid disease is not only more effective but easier when administered early.

Additionally, maintaining overall good health and strength with exercise and good nutrition can be helpful in preventing joint disease.

Arthritis is a term that groups together over 100 rheumatic diseases and other related conditions that cause stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is due to the wearing down of cartilage, which is the material that cushions the ends of the bones. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. Typically, however, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections, and unclear reasons (such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus). The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. When most people think of arthritis, they think of a condition that most often strikes the older population. No one knows exactly what causes juvenile arthritis.

Symptoms often include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and heat in the joints. Symptoms, which include stiffness, swelling, pain and joint damage, are a result of the inflammation of the joints in the body. Symptoms usually do not last a lifetime and tend to disappear after several months or years. Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Symptoms can range from an annoyance to the complete inability to use affected joints. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis come and go but it is a lifelong condition.

Treatment can include patient education, self-management programs, and support groups that help people learn about:Treatments, How to exercise and relax ,How to talk with their doctor, Problem solving. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may involve:Lifestyle changes,Medicine,Surgery,Regular doctor visits,Alternative therapies. Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with transdermal estrogen. Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Treatment, therefore, aims at reducing your pain and discomfort and preventing further disability. Treatment for most forms of arthritis includes medications, exercise, and rest. Treatment of juvenile arthritis is designed to reduce swelling, maintain movement of affected joints and relieve pain, as well as identify, treat and prevent complications.

Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation. Patients with recent joint injuries or surgery, or patients receiving medications injected directly into a joint are also at a greater risk for developing septic arthritis. Patients with severe damage to bone or cartilage may need reconstructive surgery, but it cannot be performed until the infection is completely gone. Patients receiving corticosteroid injections into the joints for osteoarthritis may want to weigh this treatment method against the increased risk of septic arthritis.

Drugs can be used for pain relief, to reduce swelling, and to stop the disease from getting worse.

Some forms of arthritis may also affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, heart, or kidneys. Psoriatic arthritis usually starts out as psoriasis, a condition where areas of the skin become inflamed and covered with silvery grey scales. “Autoimmunity” is a condition whereby the immune system(which normally wards off foreign invaders of the body, such as infections)turns and attacks the body’s own tissues, such as skin, joints, liver, lungs,etc. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause other problems in the body, such as vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), osteoporosis (loss of bone density), lung disease, rheumatoid nodules (small bumps) under the skin, and blood disorders.

Arthritis Statistics: Arthritis is a widespread problem throughout the world, with many people experiencing some form of the disease. As the state’s population continues to age, the number of people affected by arthritis is expected to continue to increase. An diagnosis of arthritis is based on the pattern of symptoms, medicalhistory, family history, physical examination, X-rays and lab tests.

Alexis Kenne

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Arthritis is one of the most chronic joint diseases of the world. The word arthritis is derived from two Greek words - athron, meaning joints; and itis, meaning inflammation.

Thus, arthritis is defined as the inflammation of one or more joints. Any part of the body can become inflamed or painful from arthritis. Some rheumatic conditions can result in weakening, even life-threatening complications or may affect other parts of the body including muscles, bones and internal organs.

Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, including children. Women are more prone as compared to men.

Types of arthritis:

There are more than 100 known types of arthritis. The following are the most commonly occurring types and account for 90 per cent of arthritis cases:

1) Rheumatoid arthritis

2) Osteoarthritis - a degenerative disorder that mainly occurs in women after menopause, but it may occur in young age also.

3) Ankylosing sponndylitis - affects the spine

4) Systemic lupus erythematosus - affects the sun exposed areas of the skin, such as the cheeks; internal organs can also be affected by inflammation.

5) Juvenile arthritis

6) Fibromyalgia - sleep dysfunction and irritable bowel symptoms

7) Gout - severe acute attacks of joint pain and swelling, in the big toe, the ankle, knee and elbow. This is caused due to deposition of uric acid crystals.

What causes arthritis?

Exact cause of the arthritis is not known.

1) Triggering agents, such as germs, which cause tuberculosis, pneumonia can affect the joints, causing arthritis.

2) Structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those that are weight bearing, such as the spine and knees - main cause of osteoarthritis.

3) Deposition of uric acid in the joints.

4) Hereditary

5) Hormonal imbalance, physical or emotional stress causes rheumatoid arthritis.

6) If suffering from syphilis and gonorrhea, can be another possible cause for arthritis.

7) Climatic conditions such as cold and moisture can aggravate discomfort.

Symptoms:

Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, arthritis is associated with pain and stiffness in the joints for atleast 3 days in a week over the last two months.

Some common symptoms include:

1) Mild swelling, pain and tenderness in the joints of the fingers, wrists, knees and feet.

2) Pain gets aggravated by any sort of movement in the joint.

3) Fever and stress

4) Anaemia

5) Weight loss

6) Joints feel red and warm.

7) Inflammation of the heart, lungs, eyes, nerves, blood vessels and lymph glands

Arthritis Treatment:

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. There are various treatment options, which help with managing pain and reducing deformity and disability. Early diagnosis is very important in getting arthritis under control.

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, medications, Exercise of the joints is important in the case of arthritis, to help prevent the stiffness of muscles and joints.

There are several drugs that are used for the pain and inflammation of arthritis, but most of them are not very effective, because they cause lot of side effects. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems, such as, bleeding ulcers, stomach pain; which interfere with the synthesis of collagen, (fundamental for the formation of cartilage.

As a last resort, arthroplasty may be suggested. This, literally meaning “formation of joint” is an orthopadic surgical procedure, in which the arthritic or dysfunctional joint surface is replaced with something better.

Home remedies for arthritis:

* Intake of ample amounts of vitamin C in the form of citrus fruits, vegetables is a good home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.

* Yoga is an effective ayurveda treatment to prevent and reduce joint stiffness, and increase their movement. This is useful in Arthritis pain relief

* Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties, which is effective in the treatment of arthritis. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked.

* Lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water taken 2-3 times daily is effective for the treatment of arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. This remedy is considered as effective Home Remedy For Arthritis

* Half teaspoon of turmeric powder taken with warm milk twice a day is beneficial in arthritis pain relief.

* Rubbing the aching joints with hot sesame oil before going to bed gives relief to the pain. Alternatively, warm coconut oil or mustard oil, mixed with two or three pieces of camphor should be massaged on stiff and aching joints. It will increase blood supply, and reduce inflammation and stiffness.

* Another herb known as Guggul is very helpful in curing arthritis. If available, eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water.

* Raw potato juice therapy - Potatoes soaked in cold water - The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes. This remedy is considered as useful Home Remedy For Arthritis

About 10 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic [pronounced sore-ee-AA-tic] arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis can relieve pain and inflammation and possibly help prevent progressive joint involvement and damage. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can potentially be disabling and crippling.

Psoriatic arthritis is a less common form of arthritis. It affects both men and women in equal numbers, and usually between the ages of 20 and 50. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis will also get psoriatic arthritis. Although psoriasis may start at any age (commonly in the late teens), the arthritis component usually makes its appearance later - in the 20s, 30s and 40s. Commonly, psoriasis shows first, but in a small percentage of people (approximately 15%), arthritis may show first.

Psoriatic Arthritis Causes

A particular combination of genes makes some people more likely to get psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Current research suggests that something (perhaps an infection) acts as a trigger in people who are susceptible to this type of arthritis because of their genetic make-up. No specific infection has been found and it may be that a variety of infections (including bacteria that live in patches of psoriasis) can trigger the disease.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis vary in how they occur (i.e. symmetrical or asymmetrical) and what joints are affected. Any joint in the body can be affected. When psoriasis causes pitting and thickened or discolored fingernails, the joints nearest the fingertips are likely to become arthritic.

In most patients, the psoriasis precedes the arthritis by months to years. The arthritis frequently involve the knees, ankles, and joints in the feet. Usually, only a few joints are inflamed at a time. The inflamed joints become painful, swollen, hot, and red. Sometimes, joint inflammation in the fingers or toes can cause swelling of the entire digit, giving them the appearance of a “sausage.” Joint stiffness is common and is typically worse early in the morning.

Other Symptoms include:

·    Silver or grey scaly spots on the scalp, elbows, knees and/or lower end of the spine.

·    Pitting of fingernails/toenails

Psoriatic Arthritis  Diagnosis

Skin and nail changes characteristic of psoriasis with accompanying arthritic symptoms are the hallmarks of psoriatic arthritis. A blood test for rheumatoid factor, antibodies that suggest the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, is negative in nearly all patients with psoriatic arthritis. X rays may show characteristic damage to the larger joints on either side of the body as well as fusion of the joints at the ends of the fingers and toes.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Treatment plans are designed to reduce inflammation in the joints, reduce pain and prevent further damage.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to control the pain and swelling of the arthritis. Your doctor may inject steroids directly into affected joints. Other drugs, such as methotrexate and an antimalarial drug known as hydroxychloroquine, may also be used. Other more aggressive treatments include corticosteroid injections into the joints or injections of gold salts for patients with more destructive joint damage. Surgery may be necessary in cases of very severe

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.

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults.

RA is a systemic disease, often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. Psoriatic arthritis (or arthropathic psoriasis) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects around 20% of people suffering from the chronic skin condition psoriasis. It occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis. More than 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis will have psoriatic nail lesions characterised by pitting of the nails, or more extremely, loss of the nail itself (onycholysis). Psoriatic arthritis is said to be a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a ubiquitous joint disease characterized pathologically by deterioration of cartilage lining the joints and new bone formation beneath the cartilage. The disease is very common in older persons and is thought to be inherent in the aging process.Degenerative joint disease is marked by a progressive stiffness, loss of function, and destruction of the larger, weight-bearing joints of the body.

Nonarticular rheumatism is a group of diseases, also called soft-tissue rheumatisms, that includes tendonitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, and fibrositis. Septic arthritis is the invasion of the joint space by an infectious agent. The usual etiology is bacterial, but viral, mycobacterial, and fungal arthritis occur occasionally. Bacteria are either carried by the bloodstream from an infectious focus elsewhere, introduced by a skin lesion. For bacterial infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been found to infect joints, for example in children who have sustained a puncture wound. This bacteria also causes endocarditis. Septic arthritis should be suspected when one joint (monoarthritis) is affected and the patient is febrile. Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Gout is a form of arthritis (an inflammation of the joints). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Arthritis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1.Treatment options is depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis).

2.Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

3.In conventional treatment, painkillers, such as paracetamol, are essential. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help with episodes of more severe pain.

4.In recent years a new type of NSAID treatment, called Cox-2 inhibitors, has been launched. These were initially claimed to be less harmful to the stomach and many patients have found that they provided good pain relief for their arthritis.

5.Physiotherapy relieves pain and strengthens muscles around the damaged joint, helping the joint to work better.

6.Regular exercise is beneficial for the same reasons and, once pain is under control, easy to do.

7.Hip and knee replacements are common and usually involve a short hospital visit.

8.Disease-modifying drugs that slow disease progression are available for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis Introduction

The word ‘arthritis’ means ‘inflammation of joints.’ It comes from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and itis meaning inflammation. It is a chronic disease process. In the early stages, the whole body is usually involved and one or two joints may become completely deformed, leaving the patient handicapped and somewhat weakened. It is mostly seen in the elderly. Inflammation is the main feature of arthritis, which is a reaction of the joint tissues to some form of damage or injury and it highly affects joints and bones.

Types of Arthritis

There are more than 150 different types of arthritis and all affect joints and bones. The most common forms of arthritis are:

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Rheumatoid arthritis and

3. Gout.

Osteo-arthritis:- it is the most common degenerative joint disease and occurs after the age of 40. In this the bones increase in size and the space between them decreases, making the bones rub against each other, causing pain. It also results from structure changes in the particular cartilage, in the joints, mainly of spine and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:- It is a serious disease that can occur at any stage of life. It is more disastrous then osteoarthritis as it destroys the ligaments and tendons that join the bones and muscles. It affects not only the joints of the fingers, wrists, hips, knees and feet but also the muscles, tendons and other tissues of the body. It is an autoimmune disorder where synovial membranes that line the joints, get inflamed and thickened, leading to pain and deformity of joints.

Gout:- It is caused by an excess of uric acid that accumulates in the system forming crystals that are caught in the spaces between the joints and cause inflammation and irritation. An excruciating pain is created in thumb, knee or elbow and most commonly the big toe.

Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis refers to the more than 100 distinct diseases that cause pain and swelling, and limit movement in joints and connective tissue. It is the main cause of severe pain and disability, which limits physical activity. The main symptoms of arthritis are:

1. Joint pain

2. Joint stiffness

3. Inability to move the joint freely and

4. Joint swelling

Other symptoms can include fever, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, lower extremity rash, and nodules.

Arthritis Causes

Many are of a view that living in a damp, cold climate increases the possibility of becoming afflicted with this very painful and debilitating condition and others ascribe it to overuse, for example typists whose fingers become knotted, athletes with swollen knees and troublesome hips, ballerinas with painful feet. It can also be caused by bad fall, a severe jolt or the trauma of an accident. The variety of other factors that cause arthritis are :

1. Joint instability:- Severe or recurrent joint injury from heavy physical activity, excess overweight-excessive body weight, exercise activities such as long-distance running, basketball, etc. performed over many years will result in the development of arthritis

2. Age related changes

3. Hormonal factors:- higher proportion of women suffer from this disease as compare to men and this is the result of hormonal changes which take place during the menopause.

4. Environmental factors:- like some are of the view that damp conditions increases the possibility of arthritis.

5. Psychological factors:- like stress that disturbs the body’s hormonal balance and makes the immune system weak.

6. Food allergy:- a diet rich in animal products, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and wheat.

7. Nutrient deficiency:- calcium, magnesium, manganese, protein, essential fatty acids.

Arthritis Treatment - Home Remedies for Arthritis

1. Try a red flannel wrapped gently around painful joint and leave it overnight.

2. A gentle massage with warm live oil as soon as the pain starts is cheap and effective. One of the good home remedies for arthritis.

3. Garlic, juniper, lavender, cajuput, sage, rosemary, thyme, or sassafras Any one of these oils diluted in the proportions of one part to 10 parts of olive oil and used to massage the painful joint will bring immense relief. One of the well liked home remedies for arthritis.

4. The patient should be given a lukewarm enema for a few days to cleanse the bowels as the first step to prevent arthritis is to relieve constipation.

5. Steam baths and massage once a week are beneficial in the treatment of arthritis.

6. All general cold-water treatments, such as cold baths and cold sprays, should be avoided.

7. An extra supplement of calcium, zinc and vitamin C is often recommended and is worth trying at an early stage.

8. Sea bathing is considered beneficial in the treatment of arthritis.

9. The water should be drunk in the morning with an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes and dilute it with water on 50:50 basis make it the first thing in the morning. One of the well liked home remedies for arthritis.

10. Dandalion is the remedy of choice–its leaf has diuretic quality that increases output from the kidneys, while its root is a mild laxative and liver tonic that enhances bowel movement.

11. Circulation around the joints can be improved through tissue-cleansing properties of essential oils, of Juniper, Cypress and Lemon, whereas oils of lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile have mild analgesic and high anti-inflammatory properties.

12. Take 1-2 capsules of cold liver oil daily, use hot/cold water according to local weather conditions.

13. Take four peeled pieces of garlic, and two grams of Sprague. Powder both and dip in 30 grams of mustard oil and heat slowly. Massage daily with this oil on pains. One of the effective home remedies for arthritis.

14. Take 10 grams of camphor and 200 grams of mustard oil. Mix in a glass bottle and close with a tight cork and keep the bottle in the sun till the camphor dissolves. Massage the affected area daily. One of the best home remedies for arthritis.

15. With feet massage eyesight improves and dryness, swelling and Oil massage should be done at least four times a mouth.

16. The patient suffering from arthritis should not sit idle nor over-exert himself or herself. Immobility may lead to stiffness of joints and over-exertion may be lead to damage of ligaments.

17. Epsom salts (4 TBSP) should be added to bathing water, to reduce inflammation and stiffness of joints.

18. The body should be kept warm at all times. Joints should not be bandaged tightly as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of blood.

19. The patient should relax for 30 minutes every night in a tub of warm water in which cupful of sea salt has been mixed.

Arthritis Diet

The diet can go a long way in curing diseases. The diet of the arthritis patient should be planned along alkaline lines and should include fruits and vegetables for protection, proteins and carbohydrates for energy. Red meat and dairy products are destructive whereas a vegetarian diet, or one including fish, with plenty or raw fruit and vegetables can do miracles. Cabbage, carrot, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onion, radishes, tomatoes and watercress may be used for raw salad. The cooked vegetables may include asparagus, beets, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, celery, brinjal, mushroom, onions, peas, beans, spinach, tomatoes, squash and turnips.

During my professional nursing career I was never able to find relief for my arthritis pain until I turned to the field of natural or alternative medicine. And arthritis sufferers today are continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain.

Arthritis concentrates in one or more joints where the deterioration occurs. Sometimes arthritis symptoms can occur in the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and jaw but you generally won’t find it there. In osteoarthritis, any one or more of the affected joints experience a progressive loss of cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones.

Collagen is the essential protein found in cartilage. It forms a mesh to give support and flexibility to all the joints. Joints are designed for normal movement without pain. They are primarily supplied by the synovium and cartilage.

When chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage) age, they lose the ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage. This process may play an important part in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Researchers report a higher incidence of osteoarthritis between parents and their children and between siblings rather than between husbands and wives. Some possible causes of arthritis include lesser known: bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, that cause bleeding to occur in the joints, disorders such as avascular necrosis, that block the blood supply closest to the joint and conditions like hemochromatosis, that cause iron build-up in the joints.

With natural arthritis treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions as with drugs or medications. Gluten may be one of the culprits in arthritic diseases which include fibromyalgia. So avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut and oats (although oats is not a gluten grain it gets contaminated during the milling process at the wheat mills where it is usually milled). An acidic diet, that is a diet comprised of foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to the joints.

Taking a few dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful as a natural treatment for arthritis pain for many people. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives like MSG and aspartame, preservatives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, and refined, packaged and processed food. Studies that have been done on antioxidant vitamins question the value of them as supplements. It’s clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work together with other nutrients present in the foods in order to work properly - synergistic action.

For a good natural approach and natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals in your area. One natural treatment method restricts all inflammatory foods.

If your arthritis is affecting your weight-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important to get rid of arthritis symptoms. The best natural approach is to eat foods that are known to help relieve arthritis pain or prevent arthritis, like living plant foods.

And did I mention how important it is to keep moving? Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible, but be careful in the early morning; you may need an hour or more of moving around first. You can start by moving your limbs around in bed a few minutes before you get out of bed. If you have swollen joints in your fingers, a good exercise to try is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release. Repeat several times. Exercise in a heated, unchlorinated pool if possible. It will help reduce the pressure on your joints and the heat will help loosen the joints.

Besides a predominately plant food diet, fight arthritis through plenty of movement and exercise. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty, which is putty designed for this purpose, or try exercising them with two of the Chinese chime balls. Exercise all your affected joints every day, to keep them as flexible as possible and help avoid them going stiff permanently.

For conventional treatment of arthritis - if you do choose to take drugs or medications, be very careful, read the labels carefully and talk to your pharmacist about side effects and adverse reactions. Make sure you know the name of your drugs and if they’ll react with any other medication you’re taking. Also if you’re going to take arthritis prescription medications make sure to ask your pharmacist for the drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions, before you start taking them. Only you know which arthritis treatment option is best for you.

Once you understand the facts about arthritis and the possible causes and treatment approaches you can take, you’ll be on your way to recovery and pain will disappear for good. Arthritis pain relief of your arthritis symptoms is the ultimate goal and understanding arthritis and arthritis treatments is a good way for you to get there. Knowing more about arthritis and osteoarthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to the relief of your arthritis pain.