Three Different Forms of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis usually takes hold around the time of middle age. It is far and away the most common type of arthritis with the discomfort and pain varying from very mild to severe. It is seen as part of the aging process but could also develop as a consequence of an injury. It is a progressive disease, where the condition gradually gets worse. The everyday wear and tear on the cartilage that surrounds our joints eventually leads to Osteoarthritis. Over time, the cartilage gradually wears down, the joints are no longer protected and cushioned. They may become swollen, stiff, and painful to the touch. The discomfort and pain is usually worse in the spine, fingers, hips and knees. Statistics show that up to 90% of the population over age 60 will develop some form of Osteoarthritis. As a general rule, women tend to suffer more in their fingers whilst men feel the discomfort and pain in their knees and hips.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a rheumatic disease that causes degeneration in the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can also affect the ankles, knees, lungs, heart valves, shoulders and inflammation of the eyes. The definitive cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis isn’t known but in some cases it has developed after a bowel or urinary tract infection, potentially triggering the autoimmune response. The most common symptom is a loss of flexibility in the lumbar spine and in more severe cases, inflammation of the eye, fever, fatigue, weight loss or anaemia. Although it can be debilitating and painful an early diagnosis and treatment may decrease the amount of functional loss and pain enabling patients to enjoy the activities they have always enjoyed.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – this provides a much better view of the changes that occur in the sacroiliac joint during the early development of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Physicians are better placed to prescribe therapies and treatments to slow the loss of function and mobility.

Tumour Necrosis Factor Blockers - these treatments, usually reserved for patients with tumours, show a high effectiveness in reducing spinal inflammation. Regrettably, research has shown that once the treatment has stopped most patient’s relapse.

Unfortunately, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a lifelong ailment and those patients who fail to continue therapy and treatment experience permanent posture and mobility loss.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Many of us believe that arthritis is an affliction that only affects us when we are growing old. This is not true. There are many children in the United States suffering with arthritis. This type of arthritis is known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Children are usually diagnosed between the ages of six months and sixteen years. The most common symptoms are stiffness and swelling of the joints, muscle pain and difficulty in completing what would be considered normal day to day physical tasks.

Whilst the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis differs from the adult condition in that the disease is classified into three specific types:

● Polyarticular

● Pauciarticular

● Systematic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Regrettably, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis also differs from adult rheumatoid arthritis in terms of side effects. A child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may also experience skin rashes, fevers, and a swollen spleen and lymph nodes. The fevers and skin rashes may worsen or improve intermittently. Unfortunately, any swelling of the spleen or lymph nodes may just worsen with time. The origins of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are not known but we do know that the characteristics of the condition are the same as adult rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The child’s immune system attacks and destroys it’s own tissues, mistaking them for bacteria, a virus or some other alien body.

The treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include:

● Drugs - NSAID class drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen

● Regular physical exercise - swimming and water exercises are highly recommended but not high impact sports and activities such as running and tennis

Note: The information contained in this post is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice nor is it intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your doctor or health care specialist before taking any medical advice or if you are in any way concerned about your physical wellbeing.