Arthritis Prevention, Term Paper Example

Introduction

Bones in the human bodies are united by joints that let the parts thereof move. Arthritis is a joint disorder in case of which joints are inflamed. There are many kinds of arthritis (more than 100, and the number is growing). Arthritis is often accompanied by pain in joints called arthralgia (Shiel 1). The causes of arthritis are diverse, depending on the type of arthritis the patient has; it may be an injury resulting in osteoarthritis or the intensive activity of the immune system that is likely to lead to rheumatoid arthritis. Causes of infectious arthritis are as follows:

“People at risk of infectious arthritis include those who have abnormal joints because of arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or arthritis from injury) who develop an infection that reaches the bloodstream” (Schmitt).

Among other examples of arthritis types one should consider

Hereditary factors and infections are also named as commonly met reasons for the development of arthritis. The disease constitutes a real threat because all types of arthritis together constitute one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States (Shiel 1). Arthritis belongs to the group of rheumatic diseases as it affects joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and other internal areas of the human body (Shiel 1). It is hard to identify a particular group of risk, as the distribution of arthritis is shared equally between people younger and older than 65 (Shiel 2). Men and women, children and adults can have arthritis, but the prevailing group (about 60%) is women.

Diagnosis

There are a number of symptoms common for all types of arthritis – they include pain and limited function of joints. The consequences of joint inflammation include joint stiffness, swelling, redness and warmth; tenderness of joints may be present. However, other symptoms extended to other body organs can be seen – fever, gland swelling, weight loss and fatigue are present in some cases. Since rheumatic diseases can produce effect on other internal organs, abnormalities of lungs, heart or kidneys are also diagnosed (Shiel 1).

Specific symptoms in cases of various arthritis kinds are also evident: “Rheumatoid arthritis often strikes the wrists and the upper part of the fingers. The neck, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet may also be affected” (Treating rheumatoid arthritis). In case of infectious arthritis, infants experience fever and pain, they may be fussy and try not to move the infected joint. In cases when hip or knee joints are infected, children may refuse to walk. Nonetheless, people who have chronic arthritis may have less severe symptoms (Schmitt).

Diagnosis of arthritis is also predetermined by the kind of arthritis a particular patient has. In case the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, successful outcome of treatment is possible. Initial diagnosis has some general guidelines: at first the patient who suspects arthritis or has joint pain should visit a rheumatologist. The latter studies the history of symptoms, examines joints to identify inflammation or abnormalities. Blood, urine and X-ray tests make the diagnosis grounded. Several visits are necessary before certain clinical measures are taken; the doctor should also understand the patient’s tolerance and acceptance of medications that are likely to be prescribed (Shiel 2). Diagnosis involves a large complex of procedures specific for different disease types; for example, rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed with the help of:

“variety of blood tests, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (a general measure of inflammation), a complete blood count, and a test for rheumatoid factor — an antibody found in the blood of most people who have rheumatoid arthritis” (Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis).

Infectious arthritis also requires particular diagnosis procedures including joint fluid examination for white blood cells, bacteria and other microorganisms. “Sputum, spinal fluid, and urine may also be tested for bacteria to help determine the source of infection” (Schmitt).

Treatment

Actually, there is no cure of arthritis, but some measures can be taken to reduce pain and to ease the symptoms. Such treatment measures are the most successful in case arthritis is diagnosed at the early stage of development. Arthritis treatment includes “physical therapy, splinting, cold pack application, paraffin wax dips, anti-inflammation medications, immune-altering medications, and surgical operations” (Shiel 3). Infectious arthritis is commonly treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause the disease (Schmitt). Rheumatoid arthritis presupposes a combination of drugs and non-drug therapies (Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis).

Prevention

As there is no complete cure for arthritis, it is highly necessary to take a set of preventive measures that will help everyone reduce the risk of obtaining this rheumatic disease. Some common tips include sustaining healthy weight or losing weight in cases of the overweight problem. This measure results in the reduction of tension on the joints, thus aiding in reducing the unhealthy impact on them. Another piece of prevention advice is to conduct regular physical exercises. This measure will help strengthen muscles and raise the muscle tone, which will also affect the state of joints positively. Finally, the necessary set of nutrients and vitamins needed for the body to function normally can be obtained by means of keeping to a healthy, balanced diet (Arthritis Prevention – Everything You Need to Know).

Works Cited

‘Arthritis Prevention – Everything You Need to Know’. Arthritis Prevention. 2010. 4 May 2010. <http://www.arthritisprevention.com/>

Schmitt, Steven. “Infectious Arthritis”. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. 4 May 2010. <http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch065/ch065c.html?qt=arth ritis&alt=sh>

Shiel, C. William. ‘Arthritis’. MedicineNet. 2008. 4 May 2010. <http://www.medicinen et.com/arthritis/page4.htm>

‘Treating rheumatoid arthritis’. The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. 2005. 4 May 2010. <http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update 0305b.shtml>