Susan Nesci – Chief Public Health and Policy Officer with the Arthritis Foundation joined us to update and inform on what many people do not generally know about types of arthritis and new developments. Discussed are details of such arthritic conditions as Gout. The importance and use of canes. Every 1 pound of weight equals 4 pounds’ of pressure on the knees. Arthritis is linked to obesity. Moving is one of the best medicine for arthritis. Many more tidbits of information.
WHAT IS ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is a joint pain or joint disease and refers to more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Symptoms of arthritis include swelling, pain, stiffness, and diminished range of motion in joints, which can result in chronic pain and disability. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, and infectious arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a disease of the whole joint, and contrary to decades of belief, inflammation plays a key role in it. Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissue, including joints. Infectious arthritis is triggered by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for minimizing joint damage, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. Treatment can involve medication, exercise, healthy lifestyle choices, and sometimes surgery. Infectious arthritis is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection and requires prompt treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medication.
TYPES OF PAIN
Arthritis and related diseases can cause different types of pain, including debilitating and life-changing pain that can affect leisure activities and work. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage and fluid in joints break down over time, leading to pain, inflammation, and bone rubbing. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and permanent damage to joints and other organs. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints, while fibromyalgia is considered a pain disorder caused by a dysfunction of the central nervous system. Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid that can form crystals in joints. There are different treatments available for different types of arthritis pain, including medications such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, DMARDs, and biologics, as well as non-medicinal pain relief such as hot and cold therapy, topical rubs, physical therapy, exercise, and acupuncture.
www.arthritis.org Susan Nesci – Chief Public Health and Policy Officer
What Is Arthritis? By Linda Rath
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis
