What
is arthritis?
 Arthritis means "joint inflammation" and refers to more
than 100 different acute (short-term) and chronic (long-lasting)
conditions that cause aching and pain in joints and connective tissues.
Inflammation is the body's reaction to the presence of a disease and
may cause swelling, redness, pain and loss of motion in an affected area.
Joints refer to the places where two bones meet. Arthritis affects some
37 million Americans, or one in seven people.
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Severe damage to the small joints can limit
use of the hands for daily activities. While reconstructive surgery will
not fully restore the joints to normal, it can relieve pain and improve function. |
What
are the most common forms of arthritis?
The
two most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid
arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is the
most severe form of the disease. It often leads to
crippling and involves extensive inflammation and pain.
Subsequently, in rheumatoid arthritis the joints become
stiff, swollen and tender, making full motion painful and
difficult.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the same joints on both
sides of the body and may develop suddenly within weeks or months.
While rheumatoid arthritis may strike people of any age, if affects
women three times more frequently than men.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, refers to the
breakdown of cartilage and other joint tissue. Affecting mostly women
in mid-life and older, osteoarthritis primarily attacks the fingers,
hips, knees, feet and spine. Often, it may only appear in one or two
joints. The disease usually develops slowly, over many years.
How
is arthritis treated?
The goals of current arthritis
treatments are to relieve pain, slow down the disease process,
reduce inflammation and improve function and patient well-being.
You should consult with your physician or health care provider to learn
which treatment option is right for you. Treatment may include, but is not
limited to, protecting painful joints from daily stresses and strains,
exercise, weight control, heat and cold treatments, a variety of medications
(both over-the-counter and prescription) and surgery.
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