Arthritis
What is Arthritis
Arthritis – is one of the most widespread diseases of the human population that causes inflammation and pain in bones. Arthritis exists in more than 100 different forms but rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are known to be the most common ones. The main difference between these two types is that osteoarthritis appears after a joint or bone trauma or due to the age while rheumatoid arthritis being a cause of an infection of the joint.
Signs and symptoms
Chronic pain, rigidity, burning and tumefaction, inability to move properly, reddening and warmth of the skin above the joint may be the first symptoms of arthritis.
Possible complications
Belated or inappropriate treatment can lead to various early and late complications. Commonly penartrit (festering arthritis, that is followed by apparatus work dysfunction and surrounding soft tissues phlegmon) and phlegmon (spreading inflammation, abscess) find place in the early phase of complications. Later complications include pathological dislocation (a head of a joint displaces from an articulate hollow), contracture (constant limitation of movements of an injured joint) and sepsis (general blood poisoning).
What causes
What is arthritis caused by? One of the main reasons why a person can suffer from arthritis is adiposity. Excessive overweight (due to the extreme pressure and stress on joints) makes the development of this disease considerably faster. People who perform quite often the same movement (for example, athletes, builders, stenographers etc.) mainly as a rule get into the high-risk group. And of course the other way around: lack of physical activity can lead to appearing of arthritis symptoms. Unhealthy cholesterol rich food and preceding joints or bones injuries have also a lot to do with this unpleasant problem.
Prevention
How can we prevent arthritis? By now unfortunately there is no way how one can prevent this disease. But it doesn’t mean you don’t need to train your body in order to keep it healthy. Some easy physical exercises, orthopedic footwear, personal weight control, correct nourishment, regular vitamin taking can help to reduce the risk of arthritis appearing.
Treatment
The arthritis treatment depends on its type and may vary. It includes various medication taking and changing of a lifestyle (physical activity, diets). Personal doctor, coach or nutritionist can choose the proper individual exercises and nourishment. It is also recommended to norm the sleeping hours (8-10 hours every night). Nowadays therapists apply heat and stimulation (thought the instrumentality of special equipment) on a joint that can help reduce the pain. With the help of medication (Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, Anti-inflammatory medications, Corticosteroids, Antimalarial medications) inflammation in the joint can be reduced which can lead to pain decreasing and slowing of the joint damage. In complicated cases of joint inflammation in order to decrease pain or to correct deformation surgery can be needed. The most widespread surgeries are performed on hips and knees. Total replacement of a joint can also be done. In such cases the whole joint is being replaced by a prosthesis, allowing a person be independent of others.
