BACKGROUND: Arthritis is a category of conditions in which the joints of the body are damaged. Over 100 different types of arthritis exist, but the most common type is osteoarthritis. This type involves trauma to, and infection or aging of, the joint. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune disease, during which the body attacks itself. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., affecting 20 million people who are often severely limited in their daily functionality. Every year, arthritis causes nearly 1,000,000 hospitalizations and close to 45,000,000 outpatient visits to health care centers. The causes of arthritis depend on the form, but can include injury metabolic abnormalities, hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effect of infections and a misdirected immune system with autoimmunity.
Two out of three postmenopausal women will suffer thumb arthritis. Experts don't know why women are at most risk. Men and younger women can also get it, but it's much less frequent. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, limited function of joints, and inflammation of the joints, which is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth.
TREATMENT: The treatment of arthritis is a two-pronged attack, aiming to both relieve the patient of their painful symptoms and improving the functionality of their joints. Patients are often prescribed a combination of medications such as analgesics (pain reliever), counterirritants (pain-relieving preparation creams), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (pain and inflammation reliever), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (prevent immune system from assaulting the joints), biologics (immune suppressors), and corticosteroids (inflammation reducer and immune suppressor combo).
A physical therapy regimen is implemented as well, helping patients build up the muscles around their joints and improve their range of motion. Sometimes, splints or braces are recommended. In certain cases, surgical procedures may be warranted. (
CARE: Those with arthritis are recommended to take it easy on their joints. Obese individuals should try to lose their excess weight, which puts a lot of pressure on their weight-bearing joints. Weight loss can also help arthritis victims to achieve greater mobility and a lower likelihood of subsequent joint injuries. In severe cases, assistive devices such as walkers, canes, and heightened toilet seats can help the patient with daily activity.
If possible, exercise is important in keeping the joints limber. Any water activities such as swimming are ideal, because the natural buoyancy of the water relieves the weight-bearing joints of pressure.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKRCG