Arthritis Conditions & Symptoms
Arthritis disorder is the most common form of disability, effecting more than 46 million Americans and over 350 million people worldwide, including children. The cause of arthritis varies depending on the type. Arthritis can be caused by an injury, infection, hereditary or metabolic abnormalities. The conditions, symptoms and treatment of arthritis also depend on the form of arthritis. Meeting with your doctor is the first step in understanding and treating arthritis.
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The Facts
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Arthritis is a disorder that can be caused by the inflammation of the joints, and it is often accompanied by pain in the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, the causes for which ranging from wear and tear of the cartilage to an overactive immune system, which causes inflammation. Arthritis is a rheumatic disease that can potentially affect the internal body. The different types of arthritis all have the ability to affect the joints, ligaments, muscles, cartilage and tendons.
Identification
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Arthritis is identified with limited joint function and pain. The symptoms of inflammation in the joints due to arthritis include swelling, joint stiffness and tenderness of the joints. The forms of arthritis can affect different organs in the body because it is a rheumatic disease. The symptoms that affect the internal organs do not directly involve the joints. Symptoms can include fever, weight loss, fatigue, and swelling of the glands. Certain forms of arthritis can affect the lungs, kidney and heart.
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Types
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Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, the most common are osteoarthritis arthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, gout arthritis and septic arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis affects an average of 318,000 men between the age of 16 and 35. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form in children, affecting more than 200,000 American children. Psoriatic arthritis affects 160,000 Americans. Systemic lupus erythematosus is more common in women, affecting over 131,000 Americans.
Prevention/Solution
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Arthritis is treated by maintaining joint mobility and range of motion with physical therapy and occupational therapy. There are many types of over-the-counter drugs to treat the inflammation and pain in the joints caused by arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated by using second-line drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, gold, penicillamine, azathioprine, sulfasalazine and methotrexate. These drugs can possibly delay the disease's progress and control symptoms. Second-line drugs are slower-acting drugs that can take months to show any signs of a therapeutic response.
Warnings
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High dosages of aspirin to treat arthritis pain can be harmful. Ringing in the ear, hepatitis or renal damage can occur with high dosages over an extended period. Aspirin can also cause severe bleeding because of its interference with the platelet function. After the discontinuation of aspirin, the bleeding can persist for four to seven days. Enteric-coated aspirin is safer to treat arthritis pain but it may not be fully absorbed. Aspirin is less expensive than other prescription drugs but just as effective.
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