Dictionary:
ar·thri·tis (är-thrī'tĭs) 
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arthritis |
Britannica Concise Encyclopedia:
arthritis |
For more information on arthritis, visit Britannica.com.
Sci-Tech Encyclopedia:
Arthritis |
A group of diseases affecting joints or their component tissues. Several types of arthritis are recognized, and these can be divided into groups by their clinical course and pathologic appearance. There are four basic types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis, degenerative joint disease, nonarticular rheumatism, and miscellaneous arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Connective tissue diseases are a group of acute and chronic diseases characterized by involvement of joints, connective tissue, serosal membranes, and small blood vessels. These diseases are divided into acquired disorders (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, vasculitis) and rare hereditary diseases (for example, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common variety of inflammatory arthritis. It occurs in younger and middle-aged persons and is characterized by noninfectious inflammation of the synovium (joint-lining membrane) frequently associated with extraarticular manifestations other than in the joints. The etiology is unknown, but genetic, immunologic, infectious, and psychologic disturbances have all been suggested. The systemic disease follows a variable but slowly progressive course, marked by spontaneous flares and remissions. There are three groups of crystal deposition disease classified according to type of crystal involvement: gout (monosodium urate), pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate), and calcific tendonitis (hydroxyapatite). Infectious arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease caused by the invasion of the synovial joint by living microorganisms such as gonorrheal, streptococcal, and staphylococcal bacteria. Such arthritis usually results from a generalized infection but may appear following local spread or after trauma. The spondyloarthropathies are types of inflammatory arthritis characterized by involvement of the axial (central) skeleton (for example, the spine rather than the limbs). Ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's syndrome are examples of the spondyloarthropathies. See also Connective tissue disease; Gonorrhea; Gout; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Uric acid.
Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a ubiquitous joint disease characterized pathologically by deterioration of cartilage lining the joints and new bone formation beneath the cartilage. The disease is very common in older persons and is thought to be inherent in the aging process. Degenerative joint disease is marked by a progressive stiffness, loss of function, and destruction of the larger, weight-bearing joints of the body. With advancing age, the continued slow damage causes increasing disability. See also Aging.
Nonarticular rheumatism is a group of diseases, also called soft-tissue rheumatisms, that includes tendonitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, and fibrositis. The etiology is unclear, but the disorder may relate to psychobiologic or sleep disturbances or muscular and soft-tissue abnormalities. See also Bursitis; Rheumatism.
Systemic diseases of other or unknown etiology may produce arthritis or joint destruction. There are neurologic, blood, and endocrine examples of these unusual rheumatic diseases.
Disability can often result from arthritis but can be curtailed by general health maintenance, rest, and rehabilitation. Occupational and physical therapies can be helpful. Diagnosis of the particular type of arthritis is extremely important in choosing drug therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and immunosuppressive drugs are also frequently used. Osteoarthritis is treated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Cortisone compounds are also used to treat arthritis, but the dosage and duration of treatment must be carefully monitored because of significant side effects. Surgical treatment includes arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement. See also Autoimmunity.
Food and Fitness:
arthritis |
Inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can have a number of causes (see osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis).
Dental Dictionary:
arthritis |
Any of a number of types of inflammation of a joint or joints.
Sports Science and Medicine:
arthritis |
A term that covers a number of conditions characterized by inflammation of the joints. The most common is osteoarthritis, which results from degeneration and wearing away of articular cartilage. This may gradually progress to affect underlying bones. Osteoarthritis may result from trauma, incorrect loading of the joint, or disease. Knees and hips are the most common sites affected. Athletes who repeatedly injure their joints may accelerate the onset of arthritis. Those with arthritis should choose physical activities that put the least stress on the affected joint. Cycling and swimming are often suitable if the hip is affected, for example. Severe arthritis may preclude participation in sport. See also rheumatoid arthritis.
Columbia Encyclopedia:
arthritis |
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease of unknown cause, is the most crippling form. Women are much more susceptible to it than men. Although rheumatoid arthritis usually appears between the ages of 25 and 50, it also occurs in children. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs usually in people over 50. It tends to be more severe when the joints have been strained by obesity or overwork. Gout, the third most common form of arthritis, affects men almost exclusively.
Symptomatic treatment for arthritis includes use of heat, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as a cox-2 inhibitor (Celebrex), aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Remission of symptoms can sometimes be achieved with methotrexate, gold salts, penicillamine, and short-term cortisone, but they often have undesirable side effects. Orthopedic surgery, including artificial joint implantation, may be done in severe cases.
Health Dictionary:
arthritis |
The inflammation of tissues in the joints (such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), usually resulting in pain and stiffness.
Veterinary Dictionary:
arthritis |
Inflammation of a joint. See also arthropathy, polyarthritis.
Word Tutor:
arthritis |
Renoir's arthritis made it difficult for him to paint in his old age.
Wikipedia:
Arthritis |
| Arthritis | |
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| Classification and external resources | |
 Hands affected by arthritis |
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| ICD-10 | M00.-M25. |
| ICD-9 | 710-719 |
| DiseasesDB | 15237 |
| MedlinePlus | 001243 |
| eMedicine | topic list |
| MeSH | D001168 |
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis[1]. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.
The major complain by individuals who have arthritis is pain. Pain is often a constant and daily feature of the disease. The pain may be localized to the back, neck, hip, knee or feet. The pain from arthritis occurs due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscles strains caused by forceful movements against stiff, painful joints and fatigue. The most important factor in treatment is to understand the disorder and find ways to overcome the obstacles which prevent physical exercise.
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Contents
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Arthritis is a disease of elderly, but children can also be affected by the disease. More than 70% of individuals in North America affected by arthritis are over the age of 65. Arthritis is more common in women than men at all ages and affects all races, ethnic groups and cultures. An estimated 46 million individuals in USA have arthritis and the numbers continue to increase each year. Close to one million individuals are admitted to hospitals each year because of their arthritis. [2]
All arthritides feature pain. Pain patterns may differ depending on the arthritides and the location. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning and associated with stiffness; in the early stages, patients often have no symptoms after a morning shower. In the aged and children, pain might not be the main presenting feature; the aged patient simply moves less, the infantile patient refuses to use the affected limb.
Elements of the history of the disorder guide diagnosis. Important features are speed and time of onset, pattern of joint involvement, symmetry of symptoms, early morning stiffness, tenderness, gelling or locking with inactivity, aggravating and relieving factors, and other systemic symptoms. Physical examination may confirm the diagnosis, or may indicate systemic disease. Radiographs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner.
While evidence of primary ankle (kaki) osteoarthritis has been discovered in dinosaurs, the first known traces of human arthritis date back as far as 4500 BC. In early reports, arthritis was frequently referred to as the most common ailment of prehistoric peoples.[3] It was noted in skeletal remains of Native Americans found in Tennessee and parts of what is now Olathe, Kansas. Evidence of arthritis has been found throughout history, from Ötzi, a mummy (circa 3000 BC) found along the border of modern Italy and Austria, to the Egyptian mummies circa 2590 BC [4]
In 1715 William Musgrave published the second edition of his most important medical work De arthritide symptomatica which concerned arthritis and its effects.[5]
| Extra-articular features of joint disease[6] |
|---|
| Cutaneous nodules |
| Cutaneous vasculitis lesions |
| Lymphadenopathy |
| Oedema |
| Ocular inflammation |
| Urethritis |
| Tenosynovitis (tendon sheath effusions) |
| Bursitis (swollen bursa) |
| Diarrhea |
| Orogenital ulceration |
Blood tests and X-rays of the affected joints often are performed to make the diagnosis. Screening blood tests are indicated if certain arthritides are suspected. These might include: rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF), extractable nuclear antigen, and specific antibodies.
Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the USA. More than 20 million individuals with arthritis have severe limitations in function on a daily basis. Absenteeism and frequent visits to the physician are common in individuals who have arthritis. Arthritis makes it very difficult for individuals to be physically active and soon become home bound. [7]
It is estimated that the total cost of arthritis cases is close to $100 billion of which nearly 50 % accounts from lost earnings. Each year, arthritis results in nearly 1 million hospitalizations and close to 45 million outpatient visits to health care centers. [8]
Arthritis makes it very difficult for the individual to remain physically active. Many individuals whom have arthritis also suffer from obesity, high cholesterol or have heart disease. Individuals with arthritis also become depressed and have fear of worsening symptoms.
Irrespective of the type of arthritis, the common symptoms for all arthritis disorders include pain, swelling, joint stiffness and a constant ache around the joint(s). Arthritic disorders like lupus and rheumatoid can also affect other organs in the body with a variety of symptoms. [9]
Primary forms of arthritis:
Secondary to other diseases:
Diseases that can mimic arthritis include:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder where, for some unknown reason, the body's own immune system starts to attack body tissues. The attack is not only directed at the joint but to many other parts of the body. In rheumatoid arthritis, most damage occurs to the joint lining and cartilage which eventually results in erosion of two opposing bones. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in the fingers, wrists, knees and elbows. The disease is symmetrical and leads to severe deformity in a few years. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in the ¾th decade of life. In children, the disorder can present with a skin rash, fever, pain, disability, and limitations in daily activities. No one knows why rheumatoid arthritis occurs and all treatments are focused on easing the symptoms. With earlier diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many individuals can lead a decent quality of life. The drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis range from corticosteroids to monoclonal antibodies given intravenously. The latest drugs like Remicade can significantly improve quality of life in the short term. In rare cases, surgery may be required to replace joints but there is no cure for the illness. [10]
Rheumatic fever has now seen resurgence in America primarily because of mass immigration of people from developing countries. The disorder can present with a migratory nature of arthritis with many other features like heart problems, skin rash, gait abnormality and skin nodules.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis affects larger joints of the body, like the back, hip or knee. The disease is essentially one acquired from daily wear and tear of the joint. Osteoarthritis begins in the cartilage and eventually leads to the two opposing bones eroding into each other. Initially, the condition starts with minor pain while walking but soon the pain can be continuous and even occur at night. The pain can be debilitating and prevent one from doing any type of activity. Osteoarthritis typically affects the weight bearing joints like the back, spine and pelvis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a disease of the elderly. More than 30 percent of females have some degree of osteoarthritis by age 65.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, cannot be cured but one can prevent the condition from worsening. Weight loss is the key to improving symptoms and preventing progression. Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and joints is very helpful. Pain medications are widely required by individuals with osteoarthritis. When the disease is far advanced the pain the continuous, surgery may be an option. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, joint replacement does help many individuals with osteoarthritis. [11]
This is a common collagen vascular disorder that can present with severe arthritis. Other features of lupus include a skin rash, extreme photosensitivity, hair loss, kidney problems, emotional lability, lung fibrosis and constant joint pain. [12]
It is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. There is also an uncommon form of gout caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This gout is known as pseudogout. In the early stages, the gouty arthritis usually occur in one joint, but with time, it can occur in many joints and be quite crippling. The joints in gout can often become swollen and lose function. [13]
Arthritis is a painful disorder but in some individuals it progresses and causes severe deformities. The majority of individuals with severe rheumatoid arthritis will have deformities of their fingers. The deformity may also occur in the wrist joint due to a loss of cartilage and with time, it may be impossible to move the wrist joint. Other problems with severe arthritis include entrapment of the nerve in the wrist leading to the carpal tunnel syndrome. With time these fingers will have diminished sensation, loss of muscle and one may not be able to use the fingers. [14]
Infectious arthritis is another severe form of arthritis. It presents with sudden onset of chills, fever and joint pain. The condition is caused by bacteria elsewhere in the body. Infectious arthritis must be rapidly diagnosed and treated promptly to prevent irreversible and permanent joint damage. [15]
Psoriasis is another very severe type of arthritis. With psoriasis, most individuals develop the skin problem first and then the arthritis. The typical features are of continuous joint pains, stiffness and swelling. The disease does recur with periods of remission but there is no cure for the disorder. A small percentage develop a severe painful and destructive form of arthritis which destroys the small joint in the hands and can lead to permanent disability and loss of hand function [16]
While neither Rheumatoid arthritis nor osteoarthritis can be completely prevented, one can reduce the risks by becoming physically active, participating in physical therapy, losing weight and eating healthy. All individuals whom have pain in the joints should seek early diagnosis because the earlier the treatment is started, the better is the prognosis. There is some evidence that consuming the commonly-eaten Nightshade plants (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, bell pepper family, and tobacco) is the causing factor in arthritis.[17]
Once the diagnosis of arthritis is made, treatments are available for a variety of symptoms. There is no cure for either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. The available medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. Moreover, by decreasing inflammation, the joint damage is slowed. [18]
Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), orthopedic bracing, medications, and dietary supplements (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.
In general, studies have shown that physical exercise of the affected joint can have noticeable improvement in terms of long-term pain relief. Furthermore, exercise of the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.[19]
Physicians usually start with drugs which have the fewest side effects. As the arthritis progresses, you may need stronger medications. [20]
Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are usually the drugs of first choice. These drugs help decrease inflammation and reduce pain. Over the counter medications like Ibuprofen or Aleve do help but most people require stronger prescription painkillers like Celebrex or tramadol. While these drugs are effective, they are also associated with a variety of side effects like abdominal pain, bleeding, ulcers, liver and kidney damage. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs should not be used for prolonged periods without proper physician supervision. [21]
Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for individuals with arthritis. These potent drugs can help reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage. However, corticosteroids have potent side effects which range from ulcer, skin bruising, weight gain, cataracts, bone thinning, diabetes and hypertension. Corticosteroids are usually given for a short time to help reduce acute symptoms.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help slow down progression of rheumatoid arthritis and joint damage. The most common DMARDs include methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin). All these drugs have side effects which include liver damage, bone marrow suppression and possibility of opportunistic infections.
Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide suppress potent cells of the body and help decrease the inflammation. These medications do help treat severe arthritis but also make one prone to infections.
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have been shown to reduce inflammation, pain, morning stiffness and swelling of joints. Drugs like etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira) can significantly improve quality of life. The most common side effects from these drugs include pain at site of injection, heart failure and increased risk of infection. [22]
Individuals with arthritis can definitely benefit from both physical and occupational therapy. In arthritis the joints become stiff and the range of movements is limited. Physical therapy can teach you how to relax the stiff joint and not damage the joint. Moreover, physical therapy can provide splints or braces for your joints. There are also assist devices available that can help you drive, getting a bath, dressing and also in housekeeping labors. Occupation therapy can teach you how to reduce stress on your joint from daily living activities. Occupation therapy can also teach you how to modify your home and work environment so that you do reduce movements that may worsen your arthritis.
Physical therapy also involves use of ice, heating pads as well as ultrasound guided massage therapy. Physical therapy for arthritis can be learned and practiced at home. To help reduce stress on the joint, you will be taught how to distribute weight on the weight bearing joints. Other aspects of physical therapy means learning how to maintain good posture, conserving energy by allowing rest before and after activity.
Occupational therapy can help you do everyday activities without worsening pain or causing joint damage. The techniques can help you distribute pressures to minimize stress on any one joint. Ways to accomplish daily living tasks are made easier. [23]
The treatment of arthritis begins at home and all individuals should make changes in life style to adapt to the disease. Lifestyle measures can help one lead a better quality of life and manage symptoms without taking too many medications. Exercises are highly recommended on a regular basis for all individual with arthritis. The exercises should be gentle and help increase range of motion and physical strength. Daily exercises can help one fight fatigue. If you are unable to participate in intense exercise, start with walking or swimming. Many public pools offer swimming classes.
Relaxing is one the best ways to cope with arthritis. Available techniques for relaxation include hypnosis, acupuncture, imagery, yoga or Tai chi. All these techniques are easy to learn and can be done at home. Also, understand your limits and rest when you are tired as sleep is essential for all patients with arthritis. Learn to connect with people carrying the same disease. There are ample support groups which can help individuals with arthritis.
Save time for yourself. Do something that you like for a change- go for walk, read, listen to music or surf the Net. Spending time by yourself will help you reduce stress and reflect on your disorder. [24]
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Translations:
arthritis |
Dansk (Danish)
n. - artritis, ledbetændelse
Nederlands (Dutch)
artritis, gewrichtsontsteking
Français (French)
n. - arthrite
Deutsch (German)
n. - Arthritis, Gicht
Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (παθολ.) αρθρίτιδα
Português (Portuguese)
n. - artrite (f) (Med.)
Español (Spanish)
n. - artritis
Svenska (Swedish)
n. - ledinflammation
中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
关节炎
中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 關節炎
العربيه (Arabic)
(الاسم) التهاب المفاصل
עברית (Hebrew)
n. - דלקת (מ)פרקים
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 | Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. © 1994-2009 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Sci-Tech Encyclopedia. McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Food and Fitness. Food and Fitness: A Dictionary of Diet and Exercise. Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Dental Dictionary. Mosby's Dental Dictionary. Copyright © 2004 by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Sports Science and Medicine. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Columbia Encyclopedia. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright © 2003, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. www.cc.columbia.edu/cu/cup/. Read more |
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| Health Dictionary. The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Edited by E.D. Hirsch, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, and James Trefil. Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved. Read more |
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| Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved. Read more |
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