Arthritis
ARTHRITIS
1. What is arthritis?
2. What are the types of arthritis?
3. How does one develop osteoarthritis?
4. What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
5. How common is Oosteoarthritis?
6. What happens to the joint of an arthritic patient?
7. How is osteoarthritis managed?
8. What drugs may your physician prescribe to relieve pain and joint swelling in arthritis?
Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints in the body. The involved joints may be warm, swollen, tender and painful, especially during movement.
2. What are the types of Arthritis?
- Osteoarthritis
- Gouty arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus arthritis
Osteoporosis (or degenerative joint disease) – the most common, occurs chiefly in older persons characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage and changes in the bone and synovial membrane, accompanied by pain and stiffness.
Gouty arthritis – results from large amount of uric acid deposited in the joints and other structures like the ear cartilage, subcutaneous tissues and kidneys.
Rheumatoid arthritis – an inflammatory connective tissue disease common among women (35-45 years old) which is characterized by bilateral, symmetrical joint disease, erosive changes and positive test for rheumatoid factor (see your doctor). It affects other organ systems in the body.
Lupus arthritis – a multi-organ disease affecting young women with butterfly rash in the face, polyarthritis and the involvement of other organs like the kidneys, lungs and the heart.
3. How does one develop Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis may result from the following:
- Wear and tear of the joints due to aging
- Family tendency to develop arthritis
- Obesity causing extra stress on the joints
- Joint trauma due to spot injury
- Repetitive overuse of joints
- Joint inflammation secondary to gout or rheumatoid arthritis
4. What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
- Arhtritic patients complain of pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints (hands, knees, ankles and hips).
- Arhtritic joints produce deformities especially in the hands and fingers.
- Many patients may not exhibit symptoms even if x-ray findings show arthritic changes.
5. How common is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is very common and usually affects people who are over 45 years old. The incidence increases with age. Over 50% of those 65 years old and above develop sighs of osteoarthritis on x-ray. There are about 11 million Filipinos who suffer from osteoarthritis based on a prevalence survey of 16%.
6. What happens to the joint of an arthritic patient?
With aging and repetitive use, the cartilage which protects the joints and cushions the bones during movement breaks down. When the joint is used, the cartilage is damaged. Repair process sets in with new cartilage formation.
The bones respond by growing, and spurs are formed which hamper joint movement and cause pain.
7. How is Osteoarthritis managed?
The objectives in treating Osteoarthritis are to reduce or relieve pain and inflammation and increase mobility. These are achieved through:
- Rest
- Exercise – muscle stretching and strengthening
- Weight reduction
- Use of analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy – heat and exercise for weight-bearing joints
- Joint protection with the use of canes, braces, bandages and walking aids
- Joint replacement in severe cases
8. What drugs may your physician prescribe to relieve pain and joint swelling in arthritis?
- Paracetamol
If your joint pain and inflammation is very minimal, Paracetamol is effective in relieving the pain. - NSAID
(Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
If your joints are painful and swollen and you find it difficult to move, your doctor may prescribe an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) which reduces inflammation by blocking the release of pain substances known as prostaglandins.
NSAID taken occasionally is well tolerated by many patients. However, when taken in large doses for more than two weeks, one may experience upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Allergic reactions may occur in hypersensitive individuals. With the elderly and those with history of ulcer and kidney disease, NSAID may lead to stomach bleeding and kidney failure
If pain and swelling of joints persist, see your doctor immediately.