Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of the joints. It can affect one or multiple joints. There are more than hundred (100) different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage (a hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint) to break down. Whereas rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children, teenagers and younger adults. Arthritis is more common in women than men and in people who are overweight.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Depending on the type of arthritis an individual may have, signs and symptoms may include:
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion
Causes
There is no single cause of all types of arthritis. The cause or causes vary according to the type of arthritis.
Possible causes may include:
• injury, leading to degenerative arthritis
• abnormal metabolism, leading to gout and pseudogout
• inheritance, such as in osteoarthritis
• infections, such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease
• immune system dysfunction, such as in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
How is arthritis treated?
Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. One may need to try several different treatments, or combinations of treatments, before he or she can determine what works best for him or her.
Medication
A number of different types of medication treat arthritis:
• Analgesics, such as hydrocodone (Vicodin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are effective for pain management, but do not help decrease inflammation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and salicylates, help control pain and inflammation. Salicylates can thin the blood, so they should be used very cautiously with additional blood thinning medications.
• Menthol or capsaicin creams block the transmission of pain signals from the joints.
• Immunosuppressants like prednisone or cortisone help reduce inflammation
REFERENCES
1. Brindles L, August 2017. Arthritis. Available at https://healthline.com
2. Mayo Clinic. Arthritis. Available at https://mayoclinic.com
