Arthritis

rheumatiod arthritis is clearly not an autoimmune disease. for example, my friend has rheumaoid arthritis in her right knee, and only her right knee. If rheumatoid arthritis were actually a disease in which the immune system eats it own tissues joints etc. why would the immune system pick on only one joint in my friends body. My friend even asked her rheumatoloist and he did not have an answer to the question. So my opinion is this if ra were truly an auto immune disease it would not single out one joint and just damage one joint. My opinion is since ra commonly picks on only one or two joints there must be something in that particular joint causing the pain and inflammation and i suspect it is a bacteria of some sort, since my friend did get some relief using antibiotics. Ask questions people it is not okay for a disease to be idiopathic we are living in 2008! So everyone with ra ask your rheumatologist, WHY DO SOME ONLY GET RA IN ONE JOINT!!!!! I guarantee it that they wont be able to answer that question, because in doing so they will have to tell you there is something in the joint causing the immune system to attack it likely a bacteria. So they wont be able to sell you enbrel for 1,300 a month (like they did my friend) they have to sell you antibiotics for $60 a month. Then their pharmacutical friends wont be able to afford the amazing vactions they use to give to the dr's who prescribed there drugs the most!!!!!

How to Understand Arthritis Medication

If you or a loved one is suffering with Arthritis, then it is important to realise two things. Firstly, you can do something about the pain. But you need to be treated by an expert as there is a large range of different medications available, many with side effects. Secondly, early diagnosis and professional treatment can have a massive influence on your prognosis as a sufferer of arthritis. Left unchecked and undiagnosed, arthritis can cause long term disability, bone and joint deformities and even organ disease. Early diagnosis, treatment and therapy can stop this or mitigate symptoms. Treating your arthritis effectively may require a combination of physical therapies, exercise, medication, dietary adjustments and psychological counselling. So, read this guide. But, please visit a rheumatologist immediately and remember, you are not alone! Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent joint deformity and disability. Since there are various types of arthritis and many treatment options, it is important to be properly diagnosed and treated early in the course of the disease. Delaying diagnosis and treatment allows arthritis symptoms to worsen. The best chance for preventing joint deformity and disability begins with early diagnosis and treatment. What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a disease of the joints. There are a number of types of arthritis (nearly 200 variations, in fact). Arthritis can develop because of worn down cartilage or bones in a joint. Equally arthritis can be caused by inflammation around a joint (of the soft tissues) or by the build up of crystals in or around a joint. The causes of arthritis are many and not yet fully understood. Arthritis does cause considerable pain however and is probably the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55 in the developed world. Wikipedia defines Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. What are the different types of Arthritis? There are probably more than 180 different types of arthritis. Therefore Arthritis is by no means a single disease. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis typically occurs following a trauma to the joint although it can develop following an infection of the joint. Many doctors believe that osteoarthritis occurs simply as a result of aging, although anatomical causes are becoming understood too. Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing Spondilytis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune inflammatory arthritic diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Reactive Arthritis (and a variant called Reiter’s Syndrome) occur normally after an individual has had a prior infection such as a bacterial stomach infection. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gout (also called gouty arthritis) is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Pseudogout occurs as a result of formation of rhomboidal shaped crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. Fibromyalgia is a collection of artritic symptoms with other symptoms that is now receiving medical recognition as a serious condition world-wide. Lupus (Systemic lupus erythematosus) also known as SLE also cause inflammatory arthritis. Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an arthritic disease that normally affects people over 50 and is a multiple joint form of arthritis. How bad is the pain of arthritis? Unfortunately it can be devastating. Gout, although by no means the most serious form of arthritis is often the worst pain ever felt by sufferers and can be compared to having a burning foot filled with water and glass on the inside, and a thousand wasp stings on the outside. Ouch! The pain of arthritis is subjective and a very personal thing indeed. Some arthritis can be a distant ache, others can carry terrible, sharp pain, with or without movement. Often sufferers experience a combination of the two, with pain fluctuating from extremely bearable to a horrible intensity, often in the same week. What happens with Arthritis? How is the sufferer affected? What can I expect from arthritis? There is a huge variation in key characteristics, but all arthritis presents both joint pain and joint inflammation. Stiffness around the joints, swelling, redness, tenderness and pain are often presented. Secondary effects such as depression are common. Less common are organ damage. Arthritis can be a lifelong, chronic condition, but some sufferers experience only one outbreak. Most are not so lucky, however. Arthritic pain can be suffered by some only when joints are used or moved, others feel pain when joints are still. For many, the pain is constant and needs to be medicated at almost all times. The more joints that are affected, often the more serious the condition. How can I tell if I have Arthritis? If you have joint pain, inflamation or swelling around the joint it may be arthritis. Usually an arthritic joint hurts when it is pressed. It could just be a sprain or an insect bite however. The short answer – do not diagnose yourself, see a doctor. But then you knew that any way, didn’t you! What are the causes of Arthritis? Arthritis is a complex disease that takes many forms. Infective Arthritis is perhaps more easily understood. Arthritis can be caused by Lyme Disease (itself caused by a bite from a tick). Artritis can be caused by bacterial infections such as salmonella but also by viruses and even fungal infections. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia can also cause arthritis in individuals, particularly those with the HLA-B27 gene marker. You can be tested for this. Tuberculosis can also cause arthritis for around 1% of sufferers. Is Arthritis Tiring? Yes, unfortunately arthritis can be exhausting. Pain is often tiring and there are many cases of arthritis accompanying serious cases of chronic fatigue. Arthritis can affect sleep and this is obviously tiring. Arthritis can also restrict exercise and the ability to work, which can create less energy after a time, as well a contributing to depression. Not a nice thing to hear, but true in many cases … I have Arthritis. What Happens Next? You may have pain, perhaps all the time. You need pain relief, which has to be professionally prescribed. Your arthritis needs to be analysed and you need to be tested. You need to understand that your life might have to change over time – although it might not. If it is serious, you may face less exercise which could weaken your muscles and your range of activities in general might need replanning. More seriously your work might need a rethink and eventually you might need to replan your home and your car. Seek out support groups, stretch, take whatever exercise you can safely cope with and aim for a good positive mental attitude. Here’s an arthritis action plan: 1. See your family doctor. 2. Get an appointment with a rheumatologist 3. Make sure you get a full set of blood tests, x-rays and scans. 4. Make sure you get a full diagnosis of your condition. Make sure you understand it. 5. Demand an end to your pain. Get the right pain killers and make sure you understand the side effects. 6. Make sure that you are getting the latest treatments. 7. Start a regime of healthy eating and perhaps dietary supplements. 8. Start a regime of appropriate exercise and stretching. 9. Seek out others who can help, perhaps join a support group. Come to terms with your condition. 10. Get some psychological counselling from time to time to help keep a healthy and positive mental attitude. Remember, millions of people suffer from chronic arthritis and still live happy, fulfilling and active lives. So can you! What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis which is a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis typically occurs following a trauma to the joint although it can develop following an infection of the joint. Many doctors believe that osteoarthritis occurs simply as a result of aging, although anatomical causes are becoming understood too. which is a degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis typically occurs following a trauma to the joint although it can develop following an infection of the joint. Many doctors believe that osteoarthritis occurs simply as a result of aging, although anatomical causes are becoming understood too. Osteoarthritis What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid Arthritis is almost certainly an autoimmune disease that causes painful, chronic joint inflammation. It is extremely common and can affect up to 7-8% of the population. Rheumatoid Arthritis is often characterized by morning joint stiffness and can cause long term muscle weakening due to lengthened periods of inflammation of lack of use. Bony swellings and deformed joints can be common too. Rheumatoid Arthritis can start in one joint or be present in many. Rheumatoid Arthritis can come and go too, with periods of sustained remission. Rheumatoid Arthritis can begin at any age, although the average age of onset is now approximately 58 years old in the west. How is Rheumatoid Arthritis treated? Pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis is often treated by NSAIDS. This means non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDS do not stop the disease though, or Does Arthritis Make Me Tired? Many people ask why arthritis is tiring. Sometimes arthritis can bring a sense of exhaustion similar to CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). Arthritis can cause sleep problems and also depression, due in part to pain, worry and weakened muscles. If your arthritis is causing sleep problems it might be worth visiting your doctor to talk about sleep medication, as you need sufficient sleep to help your body fight the pain of arthritis. What is Inflammation? Why do my joints swell? What are the reasons for joint inflammation? Inflammation is often a response by your immune system to an infection or injury or even just irritation. Medically speaking, joint inflammation is caused when blood vessels above a joint become wider while those below become narrower. This is often because of the release of histamines into your blood stream in response to the injury or infection. The increased blood flow to the soft tissues around the joint cause swelling and inflammation and this causes you pain in turn, due to extra stimulation of the nerve endings around the swollen joint. The lining of the joint can swell up like this or else fluid can actually move into the joint. Inflammation is often therefore very painful and can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. How can I treat inflammation? Examples of NSAIDS Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Salicylates Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid), Diflunisal, Ethenzamide, Salicin Arylalkanoic acids Diclofenac, Etodolac, Indometacin, Nabumetone, Sulindac 2-Arylpropionic acids (profens) Carprofen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, Loxoprofen, Naproxen, Oxaprozin, Suprofen, Tiaprofenic acid N-Arylanthranilic acids (fenamic acids) Mefenamic acid Pyrazolidine derivatives Phenylbutazone Oxicams Meloxicam, Piroxicam Coxibs Celecoxib, Etoricoxib, Parecoxib, Rofecoxib, Valdecoxib, Lumiracoxib Sulphonanilides Nimesulide Topically used products Diclofenac, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indometacin, Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Piroxicam, Suprofen