|
|
Home | Pain Overview | Types of Pain | Treatment Methods | Chiropractors | Anesthesiologists | Biofeedback | Get Answers To All Of Your Pain Questions Massage | Pain Management Drugs | Glossary of Pain Drugs | Top Pain Programs | Pain Associations | Pain Doctors | Pain Terminology | Insurance | Site Map
What Is Arthritis?Many people start to feel pain and stiffness in their bodies over time. Sometimes their hands or knees or shoulders get sore and are hard to move and may become swollen. These people may have arthritis (ar-THRY-tis). Arthritis may be caused by inflammation (in-fl ah-MAY-shun), of the tissue lining the joints. Some signs of inflammation include redness, heat, pain, and swelling. These problems are telling you that something is wrong. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee. Over time, in some types of arthritis but not in all, the joints involved can become severely damaged. There are different types of arthritis. In some diseases in which arthritis occurs, other organs, such as your eyes, your chest, or your skin can also be affected. Some people may worry that arthritis means they won't be able to work or take care of their children and their family. Others think that you just have to accept things like arthritis. It's true that arthritis can be painful. But there are things you can do to feel better. This booklet tells you some facts about arthritis and gives you some ideas about what to do, so you can keep doing many of the things you enjoy. What Are the Types of Arthritis?There are several types of arthritis. The two most common ones are osteoarthritis (AH-stee-oh-ar-THRY-tis) and rheumatoid (ROO-mah-toyd) arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This condition usually comes with age and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, a young person might hurt his knee badly playing soccer. Or someone might fall or be injured in a car accident. Then, years after the individual's knee has apparently healed, he might get arthritis in his knee joint. A sports injury to a knee when a person is young can lead to arthritis years later. Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the body's own defense system doesn't work properly. It affects joints and bones (often of the hands and feet), and may also affect internal organs and systems. You may feel sick or tired, and you may have a fever. Another common type of arthritis, gout, is caused by crystals that build up in the joints. It usually affects the big toe, but many other joints may be affected. Arthritis is seen with many other conditions. These include:
Do I Have Arthritis?Pain is the way your body tells you that something is wrong. Most types of arthritis cause pain in your joints. You might have trouble moving around. Some kinds of arthritis can affect different parts of your body. So, along with pain in your joints, you may:
These symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses. How Will the Doctor Help?After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or she will talk with you about the best way to treat it. The doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help with the pain, stiffness, and infl ammation. Health insurance or public assistance may help you pay for the medicine, doctor visits, tests, and x rays. How Should I Use Arthritis Medicine?Before you leave the doctor's office, make sure you ask about the best way to take the medicine the doctor prescribes. For example, you may need to take some medicines with milk, or you may need to eat something just before or after taking them, to make sure they don't upset your stomach. You should also ask how often to take the medicine or to put cream on the spots that bother you. Creams might make your skin and joints feel better. Sometimes, though, they can make your skin burn or break out in a rash. If this happens, call the doctor. What If I Still Hurt?Sometimes you might still have pain after using your medicine. Here are some things to try:
If you still hurt after using your medicine correctly and doing one or more of these things, call your doctor. Another kind of medicine might work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery, such as joint replacement. You Can Feel Better!Arthritis can damage your joints, internal organs, and skin. There are things you can do to keep the damage from getting worse. They might also make you feel better:
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
For More InformationFor more information on arthritis and related conditions contact any of the following organizations:
Arthritis FoundationP.O. Box 7669 The Arthritis Foundation is the major voluntary organization devoted to supporting arthritis research and providing education and other services to people with arthritis. This foundation publishes free pamphlets on arthritis, as well as arthritis self-help books in English and Spanish.
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)1800 Century Place,
Suite 250 This group provides
referrals to doctors and health
professionals who work on arthritis,
rheumatic diseases, and related
conditions. It also provides
educational materials and guidelines.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
