Arthritis
• Arthritis means inflamed joint.
• Arthritis can occur from:
· age
· trauma
· infection
· a build up of uric acid in the joint
· an autoimmune reaction in the joint.
• DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITS:
· Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
· Osteoarthritis is associated with excessive use of a joint. For example a runner who may develop arthritis or their knee or hip from overuse.
· Osteoarthritis occurs from the degeneration of the joint.
• INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS:
· Septic Arthritis occurs when there is an infection in the joint.
· Septic Arthritis symptoms can include:
· pain
· swelling
· redness
· stiffness
· fever
· malaise
• Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joint.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur in one or multiple joints.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms can include:
· joint pain
· swelling
· redness
· morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes
• Gouty arthritis occurs from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint.
• Gouty arthritis can develop when there is abnormal metabolism of purines.
• Gouty arthritis symptoms can include:
· joint pain
· joint swelling
· redness and stiffness
• Gouty arthritis typically occurs first in the Great toe.
• WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
· Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
· There is no cure for osteoarthritis but over the counter medications may help with pain and swelling.
· Inflammatory arthritis should always be evaluated by your doctor.
Posted on February 16, 2009
