Arthritis
There are two basic types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis
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Osteoarthritis is a description of the wear and tear that occurs in joints. Given enough years all joints would eventually become somewhat arthritic, but in certain people certain joints develop premature arthritic changes. This usually occurs in areas where the cartilage is unevenly stressed, the areas that are under most high load will wear down faster e.g. people with poor posture will wear down parts of their spines prematurely. The cartilage that lines the bones within the joints will wear down, leading to loss of space between the joint surfaces. This causes pain and loss of range of movement in many instances. It is not reversible, and will degenerate with time. The symptoms are best treated with movement; exercise e.g. swimming, physiotherapy and strengthening of the muscles which support the joint. The pain is relieved by anti-inflammatories, and ice or heat, depending on what feels best for the joint. If the loss of function, and the pain are severe enough, then joint replacement is considered, but this will be a last resort.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis describes a generalized systemic illness. This affects many joints of the body and many other systems as well. It occurs in stages; an active stage, in which there is an immune reaction, which causes severe inflammation, pain and damage in the joint cartilage of several joints. This stage will be followed by a remission stage in which the joint will settle down, but the damage will remain, and will be seen in the form of deformities, stiffness and muscle wasting. This type of arthritis needs to be properly diagnosed and treated with medication ( various strong anti-inflammatories as well as other substances have been found to be effective). It is usually picked up with a blood test. Movement and exercise in the non- active stage are necessary, to maintain function. There are many different forms of rheumatoid arthritis…. E.g. gout, ankylosing spondylitis, among others.
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