Arthritis affects more than 46 million Americans, a figure that may rise to an astonishing 67 million or more people by the year 2030. While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, the two most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), described as inflammation of one or more joints in the body. The many types have several common characteristics such as symptoms of pain and stiffness that may be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, comes on slowly from normal wear and tear as an individual ages, or may occur more rapidly because of injury or infection. Healthy cartilage is smooth, flexible, and allows for easy movement of joints; however, when OA begins, the surface of that cartilage softens, becomes pitted and cracked. Over time some areas of cartilage may completely wear away, underlying bone may be exposed, and movement will become painful and difficult. The individual may lose some range of motion and the joint may become stiff.
Diagnosis might be made with the assistance of X-rays that will typically reveal joint destruction and a lack of cartilage or an MRI that can evaluate the severity of joint damage – particularly that present in the shoulder, spine and knee areas. A physician may also choose to perform joint aspiration to zero in on OA which will allow him or her to rule out other types of arthritis.
All the joints of the human body are susceptible to the disorder but the most common sites affected are those that bear weight – the spine, hips, knees, and feet, followed by the neck, hands and lower back.
Treatment is aimed at controlling pain, perhaps through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen which are available over-the-counter without prescription. When OTCs fail to provide relief, a physician may recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint.
There is no cure for OA but with proper care under the guidance of a good health care specialist, most people can obtain some relief from the symptoms they face on a daily basis and can continue to lead reasonably normal lives.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with pain, stiffness, inflammation and a loss of joint function. It results when an individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to painful inflammation, stiffness and swelling. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few months to a lifetime that may go into remission on occasion or may be constant.
Diagnosis can be made through blood drawing for the presence of specific antibodies, a CRP (C-reactive protein) level and other testing associated with the disorder
Treatment is geared toward controlling joint damage and reducing pain through a number of available products from analgesics for pain relief to NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation. For those individuals with moderate-to-severe RA, a class of drugs known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatics (DMARDs) such as methotrexate that has the ability to slow the progression of the RA may be prescribed. Whether male or female, young or old, exercise is important, as may be meditation and other forms of relaxation. Avoid triggers such as stressful situations whenever possible, consider massage, heat and/or ice packs. The more you know about the various forms of arthritis, the easier it will be to recognize symptoms when they occur and the better your options will be to bring the condition under control..
Whether you or a loved one has OA, RA, or one of the many other forms of arthritis, the affected individual should be under the care of a primary care physician and perhaps a rheumatologist, a specialist trained to diagnose and treat diseases of joints, tendons, muscles and bones. A great deal can also be learned by contacting the Arthritis Foundation in your area.
