StemCell Therapy

Arthritis: Introduction

Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 diseases that cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints.

Common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and septic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is an ongoing, progressive disease that affects the joints as the cartilage of joints breaks down over time. Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints of the body with episodes of painful inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis also affects other organs of the body and can result in the destruction of joints, disability, and in severe cases, life threatening complications.

Septic arthritis is caused by the infection of a joint by microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi. Septic arthritis can occur when microorganisms enter a joint through a wound in the skin. Septic arthritis can also be caused by microorganisms that spread to a joint from another infection in the body, such as tuberculosis, cellulitis, or a boil.

Symptoms of arthritis vary greatly depending on the type of arthritis, a person's age, medical history and other factors. Typical symptoms of all forms of arthritis include the inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints. Complications of all forms of arthritis can include disability. For details about additional important complications and symptoms, refer to symptoms of arthritis.

Making a diagnosis of arthritis begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination. X-rays or MRI may be done to determine if there is joint or nerve damage.

Testing for rheumatoid arthritis includes a blood rheumatoid factor test. Other tests may complete blood test (CBC), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Testing for septic arthritis includes blood tests and an analysis of the "lubricating" fluid in the joints (synovial fluid) that checks for the presence of infectious microorganisms in the joint.

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Arthritis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments and Causes ...

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