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| What
is Arthritis ? |
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Arthritis is not just a single disease. It
is a term used to describe more than 100 different conditions
that affect the joints in the body. The word arthritis
actually means inflammation of a joint. Almost every animal
that can walk is susceptible to this inflammation. |
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Although many types of arthritis have some
common aspects, each type has its own pattern of symptoms
and affects different people in different ways. |
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Two major forms of arthritis are rheumatoid
arthritis and osteoarthritis. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis,
the body's immune system goes hay-wire and attacks healthy
parts of the body, particularly the joints. In severe rheumatoid
arthritis, the joints become deformed and internal organs
are adversely affected. |
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| What is osteoarthritis ? |
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Osteoarthritis, the
most common form of arthritis, is also called degenerative
joint disease or "wear
and tear" arthritis. Almost everyone is affected by
it to some extent as they grow older. It most frequently
occurs in weight-bearing joints, mainly knees, hips and
ankles. |
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This form of arthritis slowly and gradually
breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of each
bone in a joint. Normally, cartilage acts as a shock absorber,
providing a smooth surface between the bones. But with
osteoarthritis, the smooth surface becomes rough and pitted.
In advanced stages, it may wear away completely. Without
their normal gliding surfaces, the bones grind against
one another, causing inflammation, pain and restricted
movement. Bone spurs may form. |
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In osteoarthritis of the knee, the shape
of the bone and appearance of the leg may change over the
years. Many people become bow-legged or knock-kneed. And,
in osteoarthritis of the hip, the affected leg may appear
shorter. |
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| What are the symptoms ? |
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The number one symptom is pain. Irritation
and pressure on nerve endings, as well as muscle tension
and fatigue, cause the pain. The pain can progress from
mild soreness and aching with movement to severe pain,
even when resting. |
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The second symptom is loss of easy movement,
such as bending or rising normally. Morning stiffness is
a problem for many people. This lack of mobility, in turn,
often causes the muscles serving the knee or hip to weaken,
and overall body coordination suffers. |
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| How is it diagnosed ? |
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A simple weight-bearing X-ray , some blood
tests to evaluate the cause of arthritis and examination
by a skilled orthopedic physician will determine if you
have osteoarthritis. Time consuming and costly diagnostic
procedures are not required. |
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| What is the treatment ? |
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There is no cure
for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic
new ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility and fatigue
that are among the most disabling symptoms. |
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Medicines - Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory
drugs, (NSAIDS) are prescribed to relieve the pain
and inflammation. |
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Intra-articular injections-For
selected cases, arthritis is often made symptom-free
for months or even years after intraarticular steroid
injections. |
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Ice Treatments
- Ice packs on the knee (three times daily, 1-20
minutes at a time) are helpful for inflammation and
temporary relief of pain and soreness. Heat applications
in either the knee or hip make the joint feel less
stiff & relieve
pain significantly.. |
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Diet - There is no evidence that any specific foods
will prevent or relieve arthritis symptoms. It's
important to keep excess weight off, however, because
it aggravates arthritis by putting added pressure
on the knee. |
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Exercise and Rest - Prolonged rest
and days of inactivity will increase stiffness and
make it harder to move around. At the same time, excessive
or improper exercise can overwork your arthritic joint
and cause further damage. A balanced routine of rest
and exercise is best. Exercise in a pool can be very
helpful. |
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| What about surgery ? |
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Arthroscopy
- Arthroscopic procedures may be helpful for arthritis.
In some cases, a "flap" of
torn knee cartilage can aggravate arthritis and cause
additional pain. The cartilage flap can be removed
by arthroscopy. |
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Knee or Hip
Replacement - Knee or hip replacement is a very positive
solution to the pain and disability of advanced osteoarthritis.
The rough worn surfaces of the joint are relined with
smooth-surfaced metal and plastic components, thereby
resurfacing the joint. |
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