Arthritis
Arthritis is a debilitating condition that can cause a lot of issues for the person suffering with it. The most common problem is extreme pain. In fact, sometimes the pain associated with arthritis can get so intense it can render a person immobile, at least if the arthritis is in the joints of the hip, leg or feet. If the arthritis is in another area of the body, such as the wrist, a person can still be debilitated to the point they can’t do the things they normally would.
Yet, don’t go thinking that your arthritis will be solved by grabbing a bottle of aspirin. Sure, aspirin may make arthritic pain go away temporarily, but it will not offer a long term solution, since it doesn’t address what caused the arthritis in the first place. To do this you will need to go to the doctor, who can provide a specific cure. But to make sure you get diagnosed for the right type of arthritis, you should know the most common forms the disease comes in. They are detailed below.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis out there, especially among the elderly. It happens as a response to the joints wearing down. It doesn’t usually cause physical deformations, but it is still a very painful condition to deal with. No cures exists for this form of arthritis, though sufferers can become relieved through pain-killers. Doctors also encourage victims to take measures to reduce the amount of stress placed on their joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis results when the joints become inflamed. This happens because of misdirected white blood cells that attack the membranes in one’s joints instead of organisms in the blood stream. Such an occurrence weakens these membranes, resulting in pain and possibly complete destruction of the affected joint. When the joint starts to become destroyed, the affected area becomes disfigured, one of the signature problems associated with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. It should be noted that rheumatoid arthritis can occur in both the elderly and young people, (with the latter form being called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis occurs when bacteria or even fungi enter into a person’s joint. This causes the joint to become inflamed, resulting in pain and bone damage. However, unlike rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis can be ‘easily’ cured with antibiotics and/or surgery, depending on how the disease has progressed. People who are more likely to get septic arthritis include very young children and the elderly.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis, (also known as ReA), occurs when a person is sick with an activeinfection. The bacteria that is infecting them moves into the joints causing arthritis. However, one should not confuse reactive arthritis with septic arthritis. Although both are initiated by bacteria coming in contact with the joints, a person doesn’t have to necessarily be sick to get septic arthritis. Additionally, reactive arthritis can affect parts of the body not associated with the joints, such as the skin, eyes and even the urethra.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis results when sufferers of psoriasis get inflamed joints due to the thick patches of skin over them. Not every psoriasis victim will get this type of arthritis, though everyone who does get the disease is a psoriasis sufferer.
Special Arthritis Diets
People who have arthritis are usually advised to go on a special diet which includes eating whole grain, fruits, vegetables, milk and yoghurt. This diet will make your bones grow stronger, help you lose weight if you are currently overweight and can boost your immune system.
Arthritis Treatments
Although arthritis isn’t life threatening it can cause serious pain and often doctors can’t help suffers with a suitable treatment. Drugs can be given as a treatment however they can only help a small amount of people with arthritis, you may want to consider surgery or a change to your lifestyle as instead.