Osteoarthritis:

The most frequently encountered form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, reportedly afflicts about 16 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is more common in men in the age groups below 45 years, but tends to be more common in women in later years. Osteoarthritis involves degeneration of the cartilage ot the hands, feet, knees, and hips. The lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) areas of the spine can also be affected by osteoarthritis. Trauma and congenital problems can cause early affliction with osteoarthritis, but it is usually thought of as a disease of wear and tear on the joints.

Although the word arthritis means joint inflammation, osteoarthritis is not considered an inflammatory disease. In osteoarthritis, the joints undergo degenerative changes when the cartilage soften and erodes, causing subsequent enlargement of the affected joints. Wear and tear on the joints damages the cartilage in the joint and with damage, the cartilage releases enzymes which further deteriorate the cartilage matrix. Eventually, the cartilage thins, loses its elasticity and frays, leaving the bone without its protective cushion. Bone may then rub against bone and spurs develop.

The usual symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning and in cold weather. The joints may be swollen and deformed with bone overgrowth. Proper diagnosis is made with x-rays and a complete history of symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis, affecting about 2 million Americans. It is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disorder and is usually considered an auto-immune disease where the whole body attacks its own tissue.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts with inflammation of the synovial membrane which produces the lubricant for the joints. Fluids can accumulate in the joint area as the synovial membrane becomes inflamed. Increased inflammation of the synovium eventually can destroy cartilage, ligaments and bone.

Early symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue and weakness, generalized aches and pains, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Swelling of the hands and feet, as well as a fever, rash and anemia can occur. In extreme cases, Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the heart, lungs, nerve tissue, eyes and skin.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be one of the most painful and crippling of all forms of arthritis, and the cause or causes are not yet known. Proper diagnosis by a physician may include blood chemistries, a complete history and exam and x-rays.

Other Members Of The Arthritis Family:

There are more than 100 forms of arthritis, and the common symptoms in most types of arthritis are stiffness and pain around or in the joints of the body.

Gouty arthritis is characterized by elevated blood uric acid and swelling of the joints, particularly of the large toe, due to uric acis crystals accumulating in the tissues. Gout causes acute pain and swelling and affects one million Americans.

Medical experts may also classify chronic lyme arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyalgia, scleroderma, ankylosis spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease as members of the arthritis family. However, we limit ourselves to focus on osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and, to some degree, gouty arthritis.

It is important to note that joint pain can also be due to bursitis and/or tendonitis, which are not actually forms of arthritis. Your physician will have different recommendations for physical therapy, exercise and treatment for each condition; therefore proper diagnosis is essential.

Bookmark to:

John Hopkins arthritis white papers- get the latest arthritis news and breakthroughs. Click on image below for more details