Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes inflammation in one or several joints. It has been found that there are more than different kinds of this disease in humans and animals. This disease is characterized by pain in the affected regions as the main feature. Arthritis pain is a serious condition that affects many people in the world, especially the elderly and people within middle ages.
Generally, there are more than 100 varieties of this disease in existence today. Major types are gout, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, septic, and juvenile idiopathic. Most people suffer from the osteoarthritis variety. Arthritis occurs as the primary cause of aching in joints in many cases. However, it also occurs as a secondary cause with some other disease being the major cause of discomfort. Celiac disease, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, psoriasis, hepatitis, Lyme disease, systemic lupus erythematous, wipple disease, and familial Mediterranean fever are some example of diseases that may occur as the primary causes of aching in joints.
A forty five percent increase in disorders caused by musculoskeletal disorders resulted between 1990 and 2010. Osteoarthritis accounted for the highest increase in disabilities due to musculoskeletal disorders. Data collected from Africa was inconsistent and with high underestimations. However, data in other continents featured a high degree of accuracy. The increase was as a result of many factors working together.
Several symptoms accompany this condition for identification. Since there are many varieties of the same disease, there may be a slight variance in the symptoms. However, one common symptom in all the varieties is pain. Other relatively common symptoms are swelling, aching, and stiffness in joints. Other organs may be affected by other varieties leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Besides the symptoms mentioned above, patients may feel fatigued, and unable to walk because of stiffness in joints. Weight loss and poor sleep are also major symptoms associated with the condition together with muscle pains and aches. Areas around the affected joints become tender and inflamed. As the condition advances, secondary symptoms may result. For instance, inability to move or exercise often leads to muscle weakness, decreased aerobic fitness, and loss of flexibility.
Clinical examination by a medical practitioner is how the condition is diagnosed. Blood tests and radiology may also be used together with clinical examination to diagnose the problem. Diagnosis is done depending on which variety one is suffering from. Medical practitioners strongly base on disease history for diagnosis.
Formulation of treatment plans is usually dependent on diagnostic results. The specific type of arthritis one is suffering from must be determined first before treatment is decided. This is because treatment varies with the type. Treatment options commonly used include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and orthopedic bracing. Joint replacement surgery is usually an option in varieties that erode joints.
Pain is relieved by medications that reduce inflammation. The medications also minimize the speed of damage of joints. A hot or cold shower can go a long way in relieving pains in some varieties. No cure exists for Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis varieties of this condition.
Generally, there are more than 100 varieties of this disease in existence today. Major types are gout, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, septic, and juvenile idiopathic. Most people suffer from the osteoarthritis variety. Arthritis occurs as the primary cause of aching in joints in many cases. However, it also occurs as a secondary cause with some other disease being the major cause of discomfort. Celiac disease, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, psoriasis, hepatitis, Lyme disease, systemic lupus erythematous, wipple disease, and familial Mediterranean fever are some example of diseases that may occur as the primary causes of aching in joints.
A forty five percent increase in disorders caused by musculoskeletal disorders resulted between 1990 and 2010. Osteoarthritis accounted for the highest increase in disabilities due to musculoskeletal disorders. Data collected from Africa was inconsistent and with high underestimations. However, data in other continents featured a high degree of accuracy. The increase was as a result of many factors working together.
Several symptoms accompany this condition for identification. Since there are many varieties of the same disease, there may be a slight variance in the symptoms. However, one common symptom in all the varieties is pain. Other relatively common symptoms are swelling, aching, and stiffness in joints. Other organs may be affected by other varieties leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Besides the symptoms mentioned above, patients may feel fatigued, and unable to walk because of stiffness in joints. Weight loss and poor sleep are also major symptoms associated with the condition together with muscle pains and aches. Areas around the affected joints become tender and inflamed. As the condition advances, secondary symptoms may result. For instance, inability to move or exercise often leads to muscle weakness, decreased aerobic fitness, and loss of flexibility.
Clinical examination by a medical practitioner is how the condition is diagnosed. Blood tests and radiology may also be used together with clinical examination to diagnose the problem. Diagnosis is done depending on which variety one is suffering from. Medical practitioners strongly base on disease history for diagnosis.
Formulation of treatment plans is usually dependent on diagnostic results. The specific type of arthritis one is suffering from must be determined first before treatment is decided. This is because treatment varies with the type. Treatment options commonly used include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and orthopedic bracing. Joint replacement surgery is usually an option in varieties that erode joints.
Pain is relieved by medications that reduce inflammation. The medications also minimize the speed of damage of joints. A hot or cold shower can go a long way in relieving pains in some varieties. No cure exists for Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis varieties of this condition.
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