| Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation and is also | | | | osteoarthritis, as there is no simple test which indicates |
| used to describe dozens of other rheumatic diseases. | | | | the presence of the disease, doctors usually carry out |
| The term 'Arthritis' covers osteoarthritis, rheumatoid | | | | several tests. These include a clinical history of the |
| arthritis, systemic lupus, gout and fibromyalgia, to name | | | | patient, a physical examination, X-rays and often MRI |
| but a few. The most common form of arthritis is | | | | or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. If the test results |
| osteoarthritis and usually affects older people as it is a | | | | prove positive, the doctor will then embark on a |
| degenerative condition. However it can affect younger | | | | programme of pain management. This will vary from |
| people, particularly if a joint has been injured or is | | | | person to person, depending on the severity of the |
| deformed. There is no known cure for osteoarthritis | | | | pain. |
| but general wear and tear on the joints is a factor in | | | | There are many treatments which help to control and |
| developing the disease. | | | | lower the pain, plus helping to restore mobility. Good |
| Osteoarthritis affects cartilage which covers bone | | | | nutrition and rest are an essential part of the treatment |
| between the joints and acts as a shock absorber. | | | | in addition to exercise and weight loss. If people are |
| When the cartilage wears out bones rub against each | | | | carrying too much weight, then weight loss is crucial as |
| other which can cause excruciating pain. Osteoarthritis | | | | osteoarthritis will aggravate weight-bearing joints such |
| attacks people in different ways. It generally develops | | | | as the hips, knees and spine. Before taking up any |
| slowly over the years but in some people it can | | | | form of exercise it is advisable for the patient to |
| develop extremely quickly. Sometimes the disease can | | | | discuss the subject with a doctor. The wrong sort of |
| be quite mild whereas in other cases it can produce a | | | | exercise could result in more damage to the joints. |
| lot of pain and disability. Osteoarthritis frequently occurs | | | | Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen |
| in the hands, spine (including the neck and lower back) | | | | are usually prescribed for pain relief. The use of heat |
| plus the knees and hips. Symptoms involve pain and | | | | cushions or ice packs will also often help to reduce |
| stiffness in the joint. In the very early stages of the | | | | pain. Never take alternative or herbal medicines for |
| disease people may only suffer pain after exercise | | | | arthritis without a doctor's approval. When treating |
| which quickly disappears after rest. As time goes on | | | | knee joints, a series of injections may be prescribed to |
| the pain can become constant and prove particularly | | | | reduce pain, under the careful supervision of a doctor. |
| debilitating. In its worst form, mobility may be lost. | | | | This treatment may not be suitable for all people |
| Fortunately, the majority of people are not crippled by | | | | suffering from painful knee joints. The decision will be |
| osteoarthritis. When treated properly, millions of people | | | | made by a doctor. Finally, surgery may be an option in |
| live full and active lives for years. | | | | some cases, particularly those concerning the hip as |
| Correct management of the disease is vital. Obviously, | | | | well as other joints. Joint replacement techniques have |
| in order to treat the disease, doctors need to ascertain | | | | improved tremendously over the years and, for people |
| that symptoms are, in fact, those of osteoarthritis and | | | | suffering constant pain, surgery can provide them with |
| not some other illness. In order to diagnose | | | | a new lease of life. |