Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are many different kinds of arthritis. The most common kinds are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which cartilage, a substance that lines the surface of bones is worn away. Weight bearing joints such as the hips and knees are common places for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is primarily found in older individuals. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an over active immune system, and is primarily found in younger women.
What are the warning signs?
General warning signs of arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, or problems moving one or more joints. Specific symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include a localized deep, aching pain associated with the specific joint. Pain and stiffness generally occur when the joint is being used. Early in osteoarthritis this pain is relieved when the joint is rested. Later is the disease pain may occur while the joint is at rest.
Symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite characterize rheumatoid arthritis. Joint pain, stiffness and muscle aches often come before the development of muscle swelling. In rheumatoid arthritis small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet on both sides of the body are affected. Generally joint pain and stiffness are worse in the morning.
How can arthritis be managed?
Exercise: There is nothing better for your arthritis than exercise. Exercise helps to decrease pain, increase joint movement, and decreases fatigue. Range of motion, strength training, and endurance activities are the three main types of exercises. Ranges of motion exercises involve moving a joint as far as it will comfortably go and then stretching it a little farther. Strength training increases or maintains muscle strength without moving joints. Endurance activities build overall fitness, keep your heart healthy, and promote weight control.
Diet & Weight Control: Overweight women are at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knees, hands, and hips. For overweight men there is an increased risk of osteoarthritis and gout. If you have arthritis, extra pounds increase the severity of the symptoms you experience, or may lead to other joint being affected. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical in maintaining your mobility and relieving stress on your joints. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important in preventing high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Medications: There are several medications available to help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help to decrease the amount of inflammation in the joint and lessen the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of the drugs include ibuprofen (Advilâ, Motrinâ), naproxen (Naprosynâ, Aleveâ), diclofenac (Voltarenâ), and many others. These drugs can have adverse effects on the stomach, kidneys, and blood pressure. For this reason they should be taken with food and the maximum dose should not be exceeded. Drugs that suppress the immune system are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs are not used to treat osteoarthritis.
Tammy R. Bartels, Pharm. D.
www.arthritis.org
