katyzzzArthritis and operation
July 30th 2006 21:44
Arthritis and operation :
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints (the junctures where the ends of two or more bones meet).
Types :
Inflammation develops in various ways. With osteoarthritis, there is gra dual wearing away of cartilage in the joints. Healthy cartilage is the elastic tissue that lines and cushions the joints and allows bones to move smoothly against one another. When this cartilage deteriorates, the bones rub together, causing pain and swelling.
Osteoarthritis can cause permanent damage, stiffness, and deformity of the joints. Although osteoarthritis can result from direct injury to the joint, it commonly occurs in adults over age 55 because of long-term wear and tear.
Rheumatoid arthritis can attack individuals of any age. This form of arthritis affects all the connective tissues, as well as other organs. The precise cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Some researchers believe that a virus triggers the disease, causing an autoimmune response whereby the body attacks its own tissues. (Evidence for this theory is inconclusive, however.)
Symptoms :
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include swelling, tenderness, pain, stiffness, and redness in one or more joints. For many patients, pain is greatest in the morning and subsides as the day progresses. Damp weather and emotional stress can make symptoms worse.
With rheumatoid arthritis, these symptoms may be accompanied by more generalized feelings of fatigue and fever. This form of arthritis may go into periods of remission, when symptoms disappear. When symptoms return, however, they are often more severe.
Diagnosis :
To diagnose arthritis, a physician observes the patient's symptoms and administers a standard physical examination. X-ray studies and laboratory tests may be recommended to confirm joint swelling and to determine the extent of damage the arthritis has caused.
Treatment :
The most effective treatment program for arthritis consists of drug therapy, exercise, and rest. Treatment should begin early after diagnosis to prevent permanent damage.
High-dose aspirin was once the most frequently prescribed drug for the relief of symptoms. Although effective, side effects such as stomach ulceration or bleeding and ringing in the ears have curtailed its use.
Moderate daily exercise, such as swimming, walking, or physical therapy, is critical to maintaining mobility in arthritic joints
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints (the junctures where the ends of two or more bones meet).
Types :
Inflammation develops in various ways. With osteoarthritis, there is gra dual wearing away of cartilage in the joints. Healthy cartilage is the elastic tissue that lines and cushions the joints and allows bones to move smoothly against one another. When this cartilage deteriorates, the bones rub together, causing pain and swelling.
Osteoarthritis can cause permanent damage, stiffness, and deformity of the joints. Although osteoarthritis can result from direct injury to the joint, it commonly occurs in adults over age 55 because of long-term wear and tear.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include swelling, tenderness, pain, stiffness, and redness in one or more joints. For many patients, pain is greatest in the morning and subsides as the day progresses. Damp weather and emotional stress can make symptoms worse.
With rheumatoid arthritis, these symptoms may be accompanied by more generalized feelings of fatigue and fever. This form of arthritis may go into periods of remission, when symptoms disappear. When symptoms return, however, they are often more severe.
Diagnosis :
To diagnose arthritis, a physician observes the patient's symptoms and administers a standard physical examination. X-ray studies and laboratory tests may be recommended to confirm joint swelling and to determine the extent of damage the arthritis has caused.
Treatment :
The most effective treatment program for arthritis consists of drug therapy, exercise, and rest. Treatment should begin early after diagnosis to prevent permanent damage.
High-dose aspirin was once the most frequently prescribed drug for the relief of symptoms. Although effective, side effects such as stomach ulceration or bleeding and ringing in the ears have curtailed its use.
Moderate daily exercise, such as swimming, walking, or physical therapy, is critical to maintaining mobility in arthritic joints
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