Arthritis - The Life Long Disease

Introduction

Arthritis is defined as the presence of swelling, the presence of effusion, or the presence of 2 or more of the following signs: limited range of motion (ROM), tenderness, pain on motion, or joint warmth. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Arthritis is diagnosed through a careful evaluation of symptoms and a physical examination.

Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability for many people. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). Rheumatoid arthritis appears to have been described in paintings more than a century before the first detailed medical description of the condition in 1800 by Landre-Beauvais. Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose early because it can begin gradually with subtle symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in middle age and is most common in older people.

Treatment

Treatment options include medications, reduction of joint stress, physical and occupational therapy, and surgical intervention. Treatment decisions require careful consideration of the risks and benefits to the mother and fetus. 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. The goal of treatment in this chronic disease must be two-fold: to alleviate the suffering of the patient here and now, and to prevent the future destruction of the joints and resulting handicap if the disease is left unchecked.

Risk

The risk of first developing the disease (the disease incidence) appears to be greatest for women between 40 and 50 years of age, and for men somewhat later. It is important to recognize that patient with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing lymphoma as a consequence of their autoimmune disease, independently from any potential medication effects. It is important to note that rheumatoid arthritis itself is a risk factor for non-Hodgkins lymphomas. A modest increase in the risk of serious infection was observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients in clinical trials treated with anakinra in combination with DMARDS other than TNF inhibitors, compared to placebo with DMARDs (2 % vs 1%).

Conclusion

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. Arthritis is exploding in an aging US population. Arthritis is one of the most rapidly growing chronic conditions in North America. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life.