StemCell Therapy

Canine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is characterized by pain and inflammation in a dogs joints. Arthritis is caused by the breaking down of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the bones that form a joint. Once the bones are exposed, painful wear and tear can occur.

Dogs who have canine arthritis may:

A veterinarian may conduct a physical exam, take radiographs and perform other diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of your dogs pain. He or she will also check your dogs medical history for previous injuries and consider possible inherited conditions.

Canine arthritis can occur as a result of:

Note: If a larger dog suffers any injuries or sprains during his growth period, this can cause him to develop arthritis later in life.

Although certain larger breed dogs such as mastiffs and Great Danes are susceptible to arthritis, the condition can develop in all breeds and mixed breeds as the result of joint infection, dislocation, trauma or family genetics. Elder dogs also often develop arthritis as a result of aging.

Keeping your dog fit with exercise and proper nutrition may, in some cases, help prevent arthritis, or possibly slow its progression once the condition has set in. In fact, if your dog is a larger breed, it's necessary to monitor the type and amount of food given when his bones are still growing. However, arthritic conditions cannot always be predicted or prevented, especially those that are inherited.

Once symptoms of arthritis set in, there is no cure. Its important for you to work with your veterinarian to create a program to minimize your dogs pain while keeping him healthy. Some general treatment options may include:

Note: Please do not give your dog human medication without first checking with your vet.

Generally, dogs with arthritis should engage in daily low-impact exercise such as walking or, if possible, swimming.

If your dog has arthritis, here are a few ways that you can make her more comfortable.

More here:
Arthritis | ASPCA

Image Medical Multimedia Group What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of joint. While there are many types of arthritis, all types cause joint inflammation. Common complaints of people with arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Arthritis come in many different types, and can affect any joint. Determining the best treatment for your arthritis will depend on identifying the type of arthritis and determining which joints are affected.

Common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and limited movement. The severity of symptoms of arthritis tends to correspond to the degree of inflammation of the joint.

Once you have determined the type of arthritis, you can review potential treatments for your condition. Most often, doctors will recommend trying simpler treatments for arthritis first to determine if your condition can be managed with minimal intervention.

Joint replacement surgery is generally considered a last-step treatment for the most severe cases of joint arthritis. Joint replacement surgery uses artificial joints to take the place of your worn out joint.

The best way to avoid problems associated with arthritis is to try to prevent progression of the condition. For people who have had arthritis in one joint, it is important to prevent the progression of arthritis in other joints.

View original post here:
Arthritis & Joint Pain - Orthopedics Advice from About.com

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

Rheumatoid arthritis - 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 - arthritis caused by the infection of a joint by microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi.

Complications of all forms of arthritis can be serious and include destruction of the joints, leading to disability. Rheumatoid arthritis and septic arthritis can also lead to serious or life-threatening complications that can affect almost any organ in the body.

Seek prompt medical care if you have symptoms of arthritis, such as inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints. Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of serious complications.

2015 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.

View Sources

Originally posted here:
Arthritis - Arthritis Causes - Symptoms, Treatments, and ...

Millions of people suffer from painful and swollen joints associated with arthritis. In the past, many doctors told arthritis patients that dietary changes would not help them. However, this conclusion was based on older research with diets that included dairy products, oil, poultry, or meat.1,2 New research shows that foods may be a more frequent contributor to arthritis than is commonly recognized. It is clear that, at least for some people, a healthier menu is the answer.

Arthritis is actually a group of different diseases. Osteoarthritis is a gradual loss of cartilage and overgrowth of bone in the joints, especially the knees, hips, spine, and fingertips. Over 20 million Americans, mostly over age 45, suffer from osteoarthritis, which seems to be the result of accumulated wear and tear. Although it can cause painful episodes, it is characterized by only transient stiffness and does not cause major interference with the use of the hands.

Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects over 2 million people, is a more aggressive form of the disease. It causes painful, inflamed joints, which sometimes become damaged.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of medicine's mysteries. There were no medical reports of the disease until the early 1800s. Some have suspected that a virus or bacterium may play a role, perhaps by setting off an autoimmune reaction. Genetics may also be a factor, in that it may influence susceptibility to the disease.

For years people have suspected that foods are an important factor in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Many notice an improvement in their condition when they avoid dairy products, citrus fruits, tomatoes, eggplant and certain other foods.

Initially, the evidence was anecdotal. A woman from the Midwest once suffered from painful arthritis. Today she is a picture of health, thin and athletic, and her arthritis is totally gone. It seemed that dairy products were to blame for her arthritis, for when she eliminated them from her diet, the arthritis disappeared completely.

Another woman, from Wisconsin, also found that her arthritis was clearly linked to dairy products. Although she had been raised on a dairy farm, she learned that staying away from dairy products was the key to relieving her symptoms.

A 1989 survey of over one thousand arthritis patients revealed that the foods most commonly believed to worsen the condition were red meat, sugar, fats, salt, caffeine, and nightshade plants (e.g., tomatoes, eggplant).3 Once the offending food is eliminated completely, improvement usually comes within a few weeks. Dairy foods are one of the principle offenders, and the problem is the dairy protein, rather than the fat, so skim products are as much a problem as whole milk.4

An increasing volume of research shows that certain dietary changes do in fact help. For example, polyunsaturated oils and omega-3 supplements have a mild beneficial effect, and researchers have found that vegan diets are beneficial.5 One 2002 study looked at the influence of a very low-fat vegan diet on subjects with moderate-to-severe RA. After only four weeks on the diet, almost all measures of RA symptoms decreased significantly.6 The journal Rheumatology published a study that found a gluten-free vegan diet improved the signs and symptoms of RA.7 An uncooked vegan diet, rich in antioxidants and fiber was shown in another study to decrease joint stiffness and pain in patients with RA.8 Some research studies have looked at fasting followed by a vegetarian or vegan diet. A review of multiple research studies concluded that this dietary treatment might be useful in the treatment of RA.9

Vegan diets dramatically reduce the overall amount of fat in the diet, and alter the composition of fats. This in turn can affect the immune processes that influence arthritis. The omega-3 fatty acids in vegetables may be a key factor, along with the near absence of saturated fat. The fact that patients also lose weight on a vegan diet contributes to the improvement.

In addition, vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals. Oxygen free radicals attack many parts of the body and contribute to heart disease and cancer, and intensify the aging processes generally, including of the joints.

Iron acts as a catalyst, encouraging the production of these dangerous molecules. Vitamins C and E, which are plentiful in a diet made of vegetables and grains, help neutralize free radicals. Meats supply an overload of iron, no vitamin C, and very little vitamin E, whereas vegetables contain more controlled amounts of iron, and generous quantities of antioxidant vitamins.

As well as being helpful in preventing arthritis, antioxidants may also have a role in reducing its symptoms. Some arthritis treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, work at least in part by neutralizing free radicals. For the most part, however, vitamins and other antioxidants will be of more use in preventing damage before it occurs, rather than in treating an inflamed joint.10

A diet drawn from fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans therefore appears to be helpful in preventing and, in some cases, ameliorating arthritis.

For four weeks, include generous amounts of foods from the pain-safe list in your routine.

At the same time, scrupulously avoid the major triggers.

It is important to avoid these foods completely, as even a small amount can cause symptoms.

Foods that are not on either list can be consumed, so long as you are emphasizing the arthritis-safe foods and scrupulously avoiding the major triggers.

You may well experience benefits earlier than four weeks, but for some people it can take this long for chronically inflamed joints to cool down.

Pain-safe foods virtually never contribute to arthritis or other painful conditions. These include

After four weeks, if your symptoms have improved or disappeared, the next step is to nail down which one or more of the trigger foods has been causing your problem. Simply reintroduce the foods you have eliminated back into your diet one at a time, every two days.

Have a generous amount of each newly reintroduced food, and see whether your joints flare up again. If so, eliminate the food that seems to have caused the problem, and let your joints cool down again. Then continue to reintroduce the other foods. Wait at least two weeks before trying a problem food a second time. Many people have more than one food trigger.

It is not recommended to bring meats, dairy products, or eggs back into your diet. Not only are they major triggers, but they also encourage hormone imbalances that may contribute to joint pain, and also lead to many other health problems.

1. Dairy products* 2. Corn 3. Meats** 4. Wheat, oats, rye 5. Eggs 6. Citrus fruits 7. Potatoes 8. Tomatoes 9. Nuts 10. Coffee *All dairy products should be avoided: skim or whole cows milk, goats milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. **All meats should be avoided: beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, etc.

For some arthritis patients, supplements of certain essential fatty acids have been helpful. They should be thought of as a medicine, rather than a food. A typical regimen would include a tablespoon of flaxseed oil with 500 mg of blackcurrant oil (or three capsules of evening primrose oil) twice each day. If it is helpful, it should be reduced to the lowest effective dose. Some people also benefit from an herb called feverfew, taken two to three times per day. (Caution: Do not take feverfew if you are pregnant.)

These supplements are available in health food stores.

References 1. Panush RS, Carter RL, Katz P, Kowsari B, Longley S, Finnie S. Diet therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1983;26:462-471. 2. Lithell H, Bruce A, Gustafsson IB, et al. A fasting and vegetarian diet treatment trial on chronic inflammatory disorders. Acta Derm Venereol. 1983;63:397-403. 3. Sobel D. Arthritis: What Works. New York, St. Martin's Press, 1989. 4. Skoldstam L, Larsson L, Lindstrom FD. Effects of fasting and lactovegetarian diet on rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol. 1979;8:249-255. 5. Skoldstam L. Fasting and vegan diet in rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol. 1986;15:219-223. 6. McDougall J, Bruce B, Spiller G, Westerdahl J, McDougall M. Effects of a very low-fat, vegan diet in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(1):71-75. 7. Hafstrom I, Ringertz B, Spangberg A, von Zweigbergk L, Brannemark S, Nylander I, Ronnelid J, Laasonen L, Klareskog L. A vegan diet free of gluten improves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: the effects on arthritis correlate with a reduction in antibodies to food antigens. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2001;40(10):1175-1179. 8. Hanninen, Kaartinen K, Rauma AL, Nenonen M, Torronen R, Hakkinen AS, Adlercreutz H, Laakso J. Antioxidants in vegan diet and rheumatic disorders. Toxicology. 2000;155(1-3):45-53. 9. Muller H, de Toledo FW, Resch KL. Fasting followed by vegetarian diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Scand J Rheumatol. 2001;30(1):1-10. 10. Merry P, Grootveld M, Lunec J, Blake DR. Oxidative damage to lipids within the inflamed human joint provides evidence of radical-mediated hypoxic-reperfusion injury. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;53:362S-369S.

Originally posted here:
Foods and Arthritis | The Physicians Committee

About 1 out of every 5 US adults has doctor-diagnosed arthritis. The term arthritis includes more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Other forms of arthritis that occur often are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout.

Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Many people think of arthritis as a disease that only affects the elderly, but it affects people of all ages, including children. Although the risk of developing arthritis increases with age, nearly two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than 65. Arthritis is more common among women (26%) than men (19%), and it affects members of all racial and ethnic groups.

As the US population ages, the number of adults with arthritis is expected to increase to 67 million by 2030. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is leading the nations efforts to help the millions of adults with arthritis to live well and manage their condition.

Go here to read the rest:
Arthritis | At A Glance Reports | Publications | Chronic ...

You've probably heard the word "arthritis" before. And now, you may be wondering if it could be affecting you. By definition, arthritis means "joint inflammation," and it's used to describe more than 100 different diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround joints, and other connective tissue.

Arthritis can affect people differently. It's common in adults 65 and older, but it can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. In fact, about 1 out of every 5 adults in the United States around 50 million people has reported being diagnosed by their doctor with some form of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have different causes, risk factors, and effects on the body:

Even though they have these differences, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often share common symptoms:

Sometimes arthritis symptoms make it harder to do certain activities. By talking to your doctor about your symptoms, he or she may help you find other ways to continue doing some of those activities.

Your doctor can also help evaluate your current treatment and may recommend other, more effective ways to help you manage your arthritis. The sooner you take action and talk to your doctor, the sooner you can start managing your arthritis symptoms more effectively.

Read the rest here:
About Arthritis

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage. The underlying cause often cannot be cured.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lifestyle changes are the preferred treatment for osteoarthritis and other types of joint swelling. Exercise can help relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Your health care team can help you design an exercise program that is best for you.

Exercise programs may include:

Your health care provider may suggest physical therapy. This might include:

Other things you can do include:

MEDICINES

Medicines may be prescribed along with lifestyle changes. All medicines have some risks. You should be closely followed by a doctor when taking arthritis medicines.

Over-the-counter medicines:

Prescription medicines:

It is very important to take your medicines as directed by your doctor. If you are having problems doing so (for example, because of side effects), you should talk to your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are taking, including vitamins and supplements bought without a prescription.

SURGERY AND OTHER TREATMENTS

In some cases, surgery may be done if other treatments have not worked. This may include:

Visit link:
Arthritis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the entire joint involving the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments, and underlying bone. The breakdown of these tissues eventually leads to pain and joint stiffness. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, and those in the hands and spine. The specific causes of OA are unknown, but are believed to be a result of both mechanical and molecular events in the affected joint. Disease onset is gradual and usually begins after the age of 40. There is currently no cure for OA. Treatment for OA focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function, and can include a combination of patient education, physical therapy, weight control, use of medications, and eventually total joint replacement.

Top of Page

Top of Page

Top of Page

Top of Page

Top of Page

Top of Page

Top of Page

Top of Page

Read more from the original source:
CDC - Arthritis - Basics - Definition - Osteoarthritis

Arthritis & Rheumatism Associates, P.C., is the largest Rheumatology practice in the Washington, D.C., area. For more than 30 years, the group has served this community and has been dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of persons with disorders of the joints, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissue. Our practice has treatment centers in Wheaton, Rockville, Chevy Chase and Olney, Maryland, and in Northwest Washington, DC.

Our practice integrates excellent medical care with comprehensive services. We maintain a full-service laboratory, x-ray facilities, a physical therapy division, four centers for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and four infusion centers. We offer patients the opportunity to access the most recent and innovative technologies by maintaining an active clinical research program that participates in national trials to evaluate new medications for the treatment of arthritis, osteoporosis, and a variety of rheumatic diseases. VIEW PHYSICIAN BIOS>

The Center for Rheumatology and Bone Research is a division of Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, a 15-physician rheumatology practice. The Center was developed to give our patients access to the most recent therapies for the treatment of rheumatic diseases through participation in clinical trials. We began running clinical trials in 1982 and have since participated in the evaluation of new agents for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Sjgrenssyndrome, Fibromyalgia,tendinitisand Ankylosing Spondylitis. We remain committed to the evaluation of investigational treatments for all of the rheumatic diseases. Our research center is located in Wheaton, MD, on the grounds of Westfield Shoppingtown Wheaton. The Center is easily accessible by car, bus or subway.

> Viewthe Locations page for new address

Read more:
Award-Winning Arthritis & Rheumatology Practice | ARAPC

Osteoarthritis (OA) also known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthrosis, is a type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.[1] The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Initially, symptoms may occur only following exercise, but over time may become constant. Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and when the back is affected weakness or numbness of the arms and legs. The most commonly involved joints are those near the ends of the fingers, at the base of the thumb, neck, lower back, knees, and hips. Joints on one side of the body are often more affected than those on the other. Usually the problems come on over years. It can affect work and normal daily activities. Unlike other types of arthritis, only the joints are typically affected.[2]

Causes include previous joint injury, abnormal joint or limb development, and inherited factors. Risk is greater in those who are overweight, have one leg of a different length, and have jobs that result in high levels of joint stress.[2][3] Osteoarthritis is believed to be caused by mechanical stress on the joint and low grade inflammatory processes.[4] It develops as cartilage is lost with eventually the underlying bone becoming affected.[2] As pain may make it difficult to exercise, muscle loss may occur.[3][5] Diagnosis is typically based on signs and symptom with medical imaging and other tests occasionally used to either support or rule out other problems. Unlike in rheumatoid arthritis, which is primarily an inflammatory condition, the joints do not typically become hot or red.[2]

Treatment includes exercise, efforts to decrease joint stress, support groups, and pain medications. Efforts to decrease joint stress include resting, the use of a cane, and braces. Weight loss may help in those who are overweight. Pain medications may include paracetamol (acetaminophen). If this does not work NSAIDs such as naproxen may be used but these medications are associated with greater side effects. Opioids if used are generally only recommended short term due to the risk of addiction.[2] If pain interferes with normal life despite other treatments, joint replacement surgery may help. An artificial joint, however, only lasts a limited amount of time.[3] Outcomes for most people with osteoarthritis are good.[2]

OA is the most common form of arthritis with disease of the knee and hip affecting about 3.8% of people as of 2010.[2][6] Among those over 60 years old about 10% of males and 18% of females are affected.[3] It is the cause of about 2% of years lived with disability.[6] In Australia about 1.9 million people are affected,[7] and in the United States about 27 million people are affected.[2] Before 45 years of age it is more common in men, while after 45 years of age it is more common in women. It becomes more common in both sexes as people become older.[2]

The main symptom is pain, causing loss of ability and often stiffness. "Pain" is generally described as a sharp ache or a burning sensation in the associated muscles and tendons. OA can cause a crackling noise (called "crepitus") when the affected joint is moved or touched and people may experience muscle spasms and contractions in the tendons. Occasionally, the joints may also be filled with fluid.[8] Some people report increased pain associated with cold temperature, high humidity, and/or a drop in barometric pressure, but studies have had mixed results.[9]

OA commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the large weight bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, although in theory, any joint in the body can be affected. As OA progresses, the affected joints appear larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel better with gentle use but worse with excessive or prolonged use, thus distinguishing it from rheumatoid arthritis.

In smaller joints, such as at the fingers, hard bony enlargements, called Heberden's nodes (on the distal interphalangeal joints) and/or Bouchard's nodes (on the proximal interphalangeal joints), may form, and though they are not necessarily painful, they do limit the movement of the fingers significantly. OA at the toes leads to the formation of bunions, rendering them red or swollen. Some people notice these physical changes before they experience any pain.

OA is the most common cause of a joint effusion of the knee.[10]

Damage from mechanical stress with insufficient self repair by joints is believed to be the primary cause of osteoarthritis.[11] Sources of this stress may include misalignments of bones caused by congenital or pathogenic causes; mechanical injury; excess body weight; loss of strength in the muscles supporting a joint; and impairment of peripheral nerves, leading to sudden or uncoordinated movements.[11] However exercise, including running in the absence of injury, has not been found to increase the risk.[12] Nor has cracking one's knuckles been found to play a role.[13]

A number of studies have shown that there is a greater prevalence of the disease among siblings and especially identical twins, indicating a hereditary basis.[14] Although a single factor is not generally sufficient to cause the disease, about half of the variation in susceptibility has been assigned to genetic factors.[15]

More:
Osteoarthritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Although the word "arthritis" means joint inflammation, the term is used to describe around 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue.5

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions include gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.4

You will also see introductions at the end of some sections to any recent developments that have been covered by MNT's news stories. Also look out for links to information about related conditions.

Fast facts on arthritis

Here are some key points about arthritis. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

Typically, pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in and around one or more joints characterize rheumatic conditions. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.6

Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but people of all ages (including children) can be affected.

There are 52.5 million adults in the US, equating to 22.7% of the population, reported to have a form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia.1

With people living longer in the US, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to increase. It has been estimated that by the year 2030, 67 million, 25% of the projected total adult population aged 18 years and older, will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Read the original:
Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Arthritis Arthritis Overview

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two bones meet. A joint functions to allow movement of the body parts it connects. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differing features, treatments, complications, and prognosis. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, and many have the potential to affect internal body areas as well.

There are many forms of arthritis (over 100 have been described so far, and the number is growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation as a result of an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.

Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults. More than half of those with arthritis are under 65 years of age. A majority of Americans with arthritis are women.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 5/23/2014

See original here:
Arthritis: Get the Facts About Symptoms and Diet

Arthritis is the leading chronic health condition and a major cause of disability in the United States. One out of every five Americans has arthritis. Are you a statistic in waiting? If your joints are healthy, you can make changes in your everyday life that reduce some of the risk factors associated with arthritis, which can help prevent serious problems with arthritis in the future. And if you already have arthritis, there are things you can do to keep your joints as healthy as possible, reduce your symptoms, and maintain your independence.

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, your treatment plan will likely include a combination of strategies with the aim of reducing pain and swelling, maintaining joint function, and preventing further damage and disability. Although there is little that can be done to repair damage that has already started, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications, as well as physical and occupational therapies can help you move and get about your day.

Of the 100 different types of arthritis and related diseases, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common. Although both conditions have similar characteristics, they are different diseases. Is it possible to have both types of arthritis?

If you are living with the pain and disability of arthritis you have probably wondered if alternative, complementary, and natural remedies can help. Scientists have studied some alternative medicine treatments, such as acupuncture, glucosamine, and even magnets in an effort to tease out the truth. While solid studies that show strong results are few and far between, that doesnt stop people from trying and hoping that alternative remedies will give them relief.

Arthritis is no small problem. One in three adults has it, and an inactive, overweight, aging population isn't helping that number decline. As the number one reported disability, it also causes a huge financial pain, costing the economy $86.2 billion annually. Fortunately, it's also a condition you can do much to manage. All it takes is some planning ahead and altering of lifestyle habits.

The rest is here:
Arthritis - Chronic Arthritis - Arthritis Treatment ...

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.

Go here to see the original:
Arthritis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments and Causes ...

What Is It?

Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes mild to severe inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The condition is common among older adults but can also affect younger adults and even children. The condition can limit your flexibility and range of motion and can cause pain that ranges from mild to extreme. The symptoms tend to be more common and pronounced among older adults as a result of the natural aging process.

There are over one hundred types of arthritis that occur for a variety of reasons. Some result from underlying conditions like autoimmune attacks, infections, or viruses, and others result from injury or old age. For some people, arthritis is a lifelong condition that is incurable and untreatable. For others, arthritis is treatable or can resolve itself.

Arthritis can be difficult to live with. For most people, the condition becomes worse and difficult to treat. It is unhealthy to keep taking over-the-counter medications, and prescription drugs are not feasible options for everyone.

Emotionally, living with arthritis can be tough. Slowly and steadily, you may notice that you have more trouble with your occupation and other daily activities. You may not be able to control flare-ups that limit your range of motion by causing stiffness and pain.

There are more than one hundred types of arthritis, making arthritis one of the most common chronic conditions in the world. Arthritis can occur for a variety of reasons that include autoimmune diseases, viruses, bacterial infections, old age, and injury. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and juvenile arthritis.

Some forms of arthritis occur naturally as a result of age because of wear and tear on the bones, while other forms of arthritis occur because of an underlying condition that is a virus, bacterial infection, or inheritable disease.

Arthritis types run in the family, so there is a likelihood that you will develop the types of arthritis that your parents or immediate family members experienced.

Some autoimmune conditions can cause arthritis in addition to a low-grade fever.

Swelling, joint pain, limited joint movement, stiffness, redness, extreme tenderness, and warmth over the joint are some of the common symptoms of arthritis. In rheumatic forms of arthritis, swollen glands, fatigue, weight loss, and other general symptoms are present. Kidney problems can also be a symptom if systemic forms of arthritis. If you start to experience chronic pain and swelling in the same joint areas, you may have arthritis. Over time, mild symptoms can worsen.

Original post:
Arthritis, Causes, Tests, Diagnosis & Treatment

chronicpain. Photo by Frances Twitty (iStockphoto) Recognizing Early Symptoms

Early arthritis symptoms can be vague and confusing, but they are important to recognize. Newly diagnosed patients quickly realize that early symptoms are just the first layer to be uncovered before a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan for arthritis can be established.

Arthritis can affect any joint. Certain types of arthritis are associated with a specific pattern of joint disease. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is usually symmetric -- affecting the same joint on both sides of the body. Other types of arthritis typically affect a single joint. It's important to tell the doctor about all of your symptoms and every joint that hurts.

An accurate diagnosis precedes appropriate treatment of arthritis. With over 100 types of arthritis, early symptoms can overlap and diagnosis can be difficult. Your doctor will look for very specific signs, symptoms, and disease characteristics. Your doctor will also consider your medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Doctors play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Good communication between a doctor and patient is essential. It's important to know what to expect from your doctor and what your doctor expects from you. It's your doctor's job to assess your symptoms, gain more information from your medical history and a current physical examination, order diagnostic tests, and put together a treatment plan. It's your job to provide your doctor with as much pertinent information as possible. The goal is mutual - to improve your health.

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Arthritis is not a single disease. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Some types of arthritis affect more than the joints. There can be systemic effects associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other types of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans and three times as many women as men. There are important facts you should know about rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is considered the most common type of arthritis. About 21 million Americans have osteoarthritis. The disease causes limited range of motion, joint pain, and stiffness which affect daily living activities. Osteoarthritis is caused by progressive deterioration of joint cartilage. Typically, osteoarthritis develops gradually.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis associated with the chronic skin condition psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis usually develops when people are between 30 and 50 years old, but it can begin in childhood. Men and women seem to be equally affected by psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms occur in variable patterns and with variable intensity.

Gout symptoms can develop when there is excess uric acid in the body. Monosodium urate crystals that form in the joints due to excess uric acid cause gout symptoms. Uric acid is a waste product normally present in the blood as a result of the breakdown of purines. Pseudogout is a condition that develops when calcium pyrophosphate crystals accumulate in a joint and the surrounding tissues.

Go here to read the rest:
Arthritis Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

You may have heard about arthritis (say: ar-thry-tis), which is a disease that causes swelling and pain in a person's joints.

But isn't it something that only old people get?

Actually, kids can get a kind of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA (it's also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA). Juvenile means young, so this means that JIA is different from the arthritis that adults get. Kids can have many different types of arthritis, but this is the most common.

Joints are the places where bones meet. Arthritis can prevent people from moving their joints properly. JIA affects kids under age 16, who have arthritis in one or more joints.

Many problems can cause pain and swelling of the joints, so a doctor will want to know how long these problems have been going on. To be considered JIA, a kid must have swelling and pain for at least 6 weeks.

Seven types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can affect kids:

No one really knows what causes JIA. Something in the environment such as a virus may trigger the disease in kids that already have certain genes that make it more likely for them to get it. JIA is not contagious, so you can't catch it from someone else.

Arthritis is an autoimmune (say: aw-toe-i-myoon) disease. Normally, a kid's immune system sends out white blood cells to protect the body and fight outside invaders like bacteria and viruses that can make a kid sick. With JIA, the immune system makes a mistake and targets healthy cells as if they were harmful.

Instead of recognizing the healthy cells and saying, "Hi, nice to see you," the immune system thinks the healthy cells need to be destroyed and releases chemicals to fight the healthy cells. The chemicals the immune system releases cause the pain and swelling that a kid with arthritis experiences.

Continued here:
Arthritis - KidsHealth

The UW Medicine Bone and Joint Surgery Center and the UW Medicine Eastside Specialty Center offer subspecialized surgical care for arthritis patients. UW surgeons provide the most current approaches for patients with arthritis affecting:

The UW Medicine Bone and Joint Surgery Center at UWMC-Roosevelt offers a specialty program for rheumatoid arthritis. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Service provides health care, support, and information to optimize the health, comfort, and productivity for individuals with:

Physicians in the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and on the Rheumatoid Arthritis Service work closely with the Arthritis Foundation's Washington/Alaska Chapter and with other UW specialists to provide information on the latest medical and surgical treatment methods.

You may make your own appointment with an arthritis surgeon in the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or with a physician on the Rheumatoid Arthritis Service or you may be referred by your physician or other specialist.

To make an appointment, please call: 206-520-5000 or Toll Free 877-520-5000.

The Bone and Joint Surgery Center is located at UWMC-Roosevelt, an outpatient facility at 4245 Roosevelt Way N.E. in Seattle's University District. There is an underground parking garage in the building. A number of bus lines stop right outside or nearby, and there also is a free shuttle bus service from UW Medical Center.

The Eastside Specialty Center is located in Bellevue at 3100 Northup Way. Free parking is available on site.

Please be aware that many insurance programs will not pay for you to see a specialist without prior authorization, so check with your health insurance plan first.

More:
Arthritis | UW Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle

Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, is the most common extraintestinal complication of IBD. It may affect as many as 25% of people with Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis. Although arthritis is typically associated with advancing age, in IBD it often strikes the youngest patients. In addition to joint pain, arthritis also causes swelling of the joints and a reduction in flexibility.

In IBD, arthritis may appear in three different forms. These are:

Peripheral arthritis usually affects the large joints of the arms and legs, including the elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. The discomfort may be migratory, moving from one joint to another. If left untreated, the pain may last from a few days to several weeks. Peripheral arthritis tends to be more common among people who have ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease of the colon. The level of inflammation in the joints generally mirrors the extent of inflammation in the colon. Although no specific test can make a definitive diagnosis, various diagnostic methodsincluding analysis of joint fluid, blood tests, and X-raysare used to rule out other causes of joint pain. Fortunately, IBD-related peripheral arthritis usually does not cause any lasting damage.

Also known as spondylitis or spondyloarthropathy, axial arthritis produces pain and stiffness in the lower spine and sacroiliac joints (at the bottom of the back). Interestingly, and especially in young people, these symptoms may come on months or even years before the symptoms of IBD appear. Unlike peripheral arthritis, axial arthritis may cause permanent damage if the bones of the vertebral column fuse togetherthereby creating decreased range of motion in the back. In some cases, a restriction in rib motion may make it difficult for people to take deep breaths. Active spondylitis generally subsides by age 40. Therapy for people with axial arthritis is geared toward improving range of motion in the back. Stretching exercises are recommended, as is the application of moist heat to the back.

A more severe form of spinal arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare complication, affecting between 2% and 3% of people with IBD. It is seen more often in Crohns disease than in ulcerative colitis. In addition to causing arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joints, ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, and heart valves. The cause of AS is not known, but most affected individuals share a common genetic marker. In some cases, the disease occurs in genetically predisposed people after exposure to bowel or urinary tract infections. Occasionally, AS foretells the development of IBD. AS typically strikes people under the age of 30, mainly adolescents and young adult males, appearing first as a dramatic loss of flexibility in the lower spine. Rehabilitation therapy is essential to help maintain joint flexibility. But even with optimal therapy, some people will develop a stiff or ankylosed spine. Symptoms of AS may continue to worsen even after surgical removal of the colon.

It is not always easy to determine whether the arthritis is linked to the intestinal condition. In general, the arthritis that complicates IBD is not as severe as rheumatoid arthritis. The joints do not ordinarily undergo destructive changes, and joint involvement is not symmetric (affecting the same joints on both sides of the body). Except for ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis associated with IBD usually improves as intestinal symptoms improve.

In the general population, people with peripheral arthritis may use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling of the joints. However, as a rule, these medicationswhich include aspirin and ibuprofen are not an option for everyone with IBD because they can prompt a disease flare by irritating the intestinal lining and intensifying the inflammation. (It should be noted, though, that some people with IBD can tolerate NSAIDs and find these medications helpful in relieving symptoms of arthritis.) Corticosteroids also may be used to treat the arthritis symptoms as well as IBD.

In most cases, doctors manage the symptoms of peripheral arthritis by controlling the inflammation within the colon. Once that has subsided after a course of a medication such as prednisone or sulfasalazine, joint pain generally disappears. Similarly, the newer biologic agents such as infliximab (Remicade) have also been shown to be effective in reducing joint inflammation and swelling. Infliximab has even shown good results as a treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. Only axial arthritis seems not to improve as the intestinal inflammation resolves. Unlike peripheral arthritis, there is no correlation between treatment of the underlying IBD and improvement in axial arthritis symptoms.

In addition to medication, doctors may recommend resting the affected joint as well as the occasional use of moist heat. Range of motion exercises, as demonstrated by a physical therapist, may also be helpful.

The Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America provides information for educational purposes only. We encourage you to review this educational material with your health care professional. The Foundation does not provide medical or other health care opinions or services. The inclusion of another organizations resources or referral to another organization does not represent an endorsement of a particular individual, group, company or product.

See original here:
CCFA: Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition associated with swelling and inflammation of the joints, which often results in pain and restriction of movement. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammation of the tissue lining the joints and in severe cases inflammation of other body tissues. In the joints, sustained inflammation leads to hypertrophy of the synovium and the formation of a "pannus", which spreads over the joint causing erosive destruction of the bone and cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system starts attacking it's own organs (joints, bones, internal organs).

Arthritis is a result of a breakdown in cartilage or inflammation.

Cartilage protects joints and enables smooth movement by absorbing shock when pressure is placed on a joint. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together and this causes pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Joint inflammation can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

Often, the inflammation goes away once the injury has healed, the disease is treated, or once the infection has been cleared. However, with some injuries and diseases, the inflammation does not go away or the cartilage is destroyed and long-term pain and deformity results. When this happens, the disease is called chronic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is more likely to occur with increasing age. It can occur in any of the joints but is most common in the hips, knees or fingers.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:

Arthritis can occur in both men and women and in individuals of all ages. Some forms of arthritis also affect children.

As mentioned earlier, the most common forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are numerous forms of arthritis, including:

A person suffering from arthritis may experience any of the following:

Read the original post:
Arthritis Information from Drugs.com