
The best course of action to take sometimes isn't clear until you've listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritis) is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis[1]. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. There is also an uncommon form of gout caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This gout is known as pseudogout.
If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Arthritis story from informed sources.
History and physical examination
All arthritis feature pain. Pain patterns may differ depending on the arthritis and the location. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning and associated with stiffness; in the early stages, patients often have no symptoms after a morning shower. In the aged and children, pain might not be the main presenting feature; the aged patient simply moves less, the infantile patient refuses to use the affected limb.
Elements of the history of the disorder guide diagnosis. Important features are speed and time of onset, pattern of joint involvement, symmetry of symptoms, early morning stiffness, tenderness, gelling or locking with inactivity, aggravating and relieving factors, and other systemic symptoms. Physical examination may confirm the diagnosis, or may indicate systemic disease. Radio-graphs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner.
Knowing enough about Arthritis to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about Arthritis, you should have nothing to worry about.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Arthritis
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