What do you suffer with if you have arthritis?

Answer 1

Arthritis can cause painful joints and limited movement in sufferers, and is a leading cause in accidental falls especially in seniors and the elderly. It is important for sufferers of severe arthritis to be prepared for emergencies such as this. One can do many things to prevent this like removing loose throw rugs, de-cluttering walking paths through the house, and making sure there are no cords to trip over. To provide a loved one, especially elderly parents or spouses with protection in the event of a fall, medical alert systems may be a viable option to ensure help is availalble in the event of a fall.

Answer 2

Osteoarthritis:

Early Stage

The first sign that osteoarthritis is occurring can be seen when the cartilage that cover the bones and create a cushion for your joints begin to thin out. Cartilage and lubricating fluid between the joint allows to move easily and painlessly. However a combination of age, excessive use, and some times a genetic tendency to develop osteoarthritis can cause cartilage to wear down prematurely. Cartilage itself has no nerves however as the cartilage thins and disappears friction starts to affect the bones accompanied by pain and this is when the symptoms of osteoarthritis begin

In the early stage of osteoarthritis treatment involves staying active while taking it easy on affected joints. Losing weight also helps a lot, if that is an option, by reducing stress on joints. Rest is also useful in helping pain go away

Mid stage

As this condition progresses, however, rather then loosening up in the morning, pain worsens as the day goes on. Sudden catching or giving way of knee joints is common. Worn hip and knee joints may become painful even to stand on. When cartilage is worn out down, the bones below thicken and reactive tissue or known as bony spurs form along joints margins. The pain involved in this can lead to a situation where activity is decreased leading to muscles weakening and as a result worsening the situation because they no longer support the effected joints as well. However even at this point it is best to keep moving as much as possible as this will help in relieving some of the symptoms.

The most commonly used medications at this point would usually be nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. NSAIDs are effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain and decreasing joint swelling and inflammation; however the down side with these is that they may cause stomach irritation.

Final Stage

In the final stage of this condition all the joint structures are affected. Healthy lubricating fluid is lost and the joint may fill with inflammatory fluids that stretch the joint capsule. This brings about swelling, stiffness and more pain. In some situations where stronger painkillers will not be effective replacement of the joint may be the best option.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease and can not be cured, however with proper medical guidance a lot can be done to keep the symptoms of this disease under control

symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's own immune system attacks tissue It can cause joint damage, chronic pain, loss of function and disability of joints.

This type of arthritis is a long term chronic illness that can stay with people for many years.

Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of undetermined etiology involving primarily the synovial membranes and articular structures of multiple joints. The disease is often progressive and results in pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints. In late stages deformity and ankylosis develop symptoms.

General malaiseo, Fever of undetermined etiology, Weight loss, Myalgias, Tendonitis,

Bursitis, Weakness

Joint involvement is typically poly-articular and symmetrical, ( more then one joint involved at a time with similar joints on opposite sides of the body being effected simultaneously) usually sparing the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. Joint involvement and inflammation is evinced by the following:

Edema, Effusion, Warmth, Tenderness to palpation and later on a posibility of destruction. Subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules, swan-neck deformities, boutonniere deformities, ulnar deviation of fingers at MCP joints (late findings) Bursitis

RA is a systemic disease and its inflammation can affect other organs and areas of the body. RA can cause Inflammation of the glands, of the eyes and mouth can cause dryness of these areas (Sjogren's syndrome). Rheumatoid inflammation of the lung lining (pleuritis) leading to chest pain with deep breathing, shortness of breath, or coughing. Lung tissue can become inflamed, scarred, and nodules of inflammation (rheumatoid nodules) sometimes develop in the lungs. Inflammation of the tissue (pericardium) surrounding the heart, called pericarditis, can cause a chest pain that typically changes in intensity when lying down or leaning forward. RA can also lead to anemia. Decreased white cells can be associated with an enlarged spleen (referred to as Felty's syndrome) and can increase the risk of infections. Firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules) can occur around the elbows and fingers where there is frequent pressure. Even though these nodules usually do not cause symptoms, occasionally they can become infected. Nerves can become pinched in the wrists to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. A rare, serious complication, usually with long-standing rheumatoid disease, is blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis). Vasculitis can impair blood supply to tissues and lead to tissue death (necrosis). This is most often initially visible as tiny black areas around the nail beds or as leg ulcers.

Answer 3

Depending on the type of arthritis not getting treatment can lead to joint damage serious enough to require them to be replaced.