Is Arthritis Limiting You ?

Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful joint condition that affects a reported 32.9 million  American  adults.  Though  it commonly occurs in adults however, children can also be affected.

Arthritis can occur in an injured or diseased joint. A joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. The bone ends of a joint are covered with cartilage, a smooth material that cushions the bone and allows the joint to move smoothly without pain.

Types of Arthritis

Though there are more than a hundred different types of arthritis, the two most common types are called osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is found in the joints of older people and in injured or overused joints of younger individuals. It is commonly found in the knee, hips, and spine. In this type of arthritis, the cartilage covering the joint begins to wear away. Occasionally, bone growths called “spurs“, can develop in the joint. The resulting inflammation in the joint causes pain and swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, another common form of arthritis, is a long lasting disease in which the joint lining swells. This swelling invades surrounding tissues and causes chemical substances to attack and destroy the joint surface. Though rheumatoid arthritis is commonly found in the hands and feet, it can also occur in the knees, hips, and elbows. Swelling, pain, and stiffness are present even when the joint is not used. Though rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone, more than seventy percent of those with this disease are above thirty.

Treatment of Arthritis

• The main approach to treating arthritis centers on pain relief, increased motion, and increased strength.
• Many over-the-counter medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be used to control pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
• Prescription medications are also available if over-the-counter medications are not effective.
• People with arthritic joints can use canes, crutches, and walkers to help relieve the stress placed on arthritic joints.
• Exercising and physical therapy can also be helpful in decreasing stiffness and in strengthening muscles around the joints.

Surgical Treatment

If these methods of treatment are not successful, surgery is recommended.

• The type of surgery depends on the extent of arthritis in the joints, its type, and the physical condition of the patient.
• Surgical procedures include removal of the diseased or damaged joint lining, realignment of the joints, total joint replacement, and fusion of the bone ends of a joint to prevent joint motion and relieve joint pain.
• Though there is no present cure for arthritis, researchers continue to make progress in finding the underlying causes for the major types of arthritis.
• Still, people with arthritis can continue to perform normal activities.
• Various exercise programs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and weight reduction programs for obese people are ways to reduce pain, stiffness, and improve function.
• In persons with severe cases of arthritis, orthopedic surgery can often provide dramatic pain relief and restore lost joint function.
• A total joint replacement, for example, can usually enable a person with severe arthritis in the hip or the knee to walk around without pain or stiffness.
• Consult your orthopedic doctor if you are having symptoms typical of arthritis.

ARTHRITIS OF THE ELBOW

Elbow Pain : Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Symptoms

How many times a day do you bend your elbow? A person usually bends their elbow hundreds of times a day. Now imagine if every time you bent your elbow, you felt the pain of arthritis.

For many Americans, this scenario is all too true. Arthritis of the elbow can cause pain not only when they bend their elbow, but also when they straighten it. The most common cause of arthritis of the elbow is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis (OA or “wear-and-tear” arthritis) and trauma can also cause arthritis in the elbow joint. RA is a disease of the joint linings, or synovia. As the joint lining swells, the joint space narrows.

Causes

The disease gradually destroys the bones and soft tissues. Usually, RA affects both elbows, as well as other joints such as the hand, wrist and shoulder. OA affects the cushioning cartilage on the ends of the bones that enables them to move smoothly in the joint. As the cartilage is destroyed, the bones begin to rub against each other. Loose fragments within the joint may accelerate degeneration. Trauma or injury to the elbow can also damage the articular cartilage. This eventually leads to the development of post traumatic arthritis. Usually, this form of arthritis is confined to the injured joint.

In the early stages of RA, pain may been primarily on the outer side of the joint. Pain generally worsens as you turn (rotate) your forearm. The pain of OA may intensify as you extend your arm. Pain that continues during the night or when you are at rest indicates a more advanced stage of OA. In addition to pain, one may experience swelling, inability to perform daily activities because the elbow gives away, inability to straighten or bend the elbow, locking of the elbow, and stiffness in the elbow. At times, both elbows are involved or pain can occur at the wrist, shoulders, and elbow; this is indicative of RA.

Treatment

The initial treatment is non-surgical and depends on the type of arthritis.

• Your physician will discuss the options with you and develop an individualized program of medical and physical activities.
• Among the therapies that can be used are: activity modification; since, OA may be linked to repetitive overuse of the joint, modifying job or sports activities can be helpful. Intermittent periods of rest can relieve stress on the elbow.
• Painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide short-term pain relief. More potent agents can be prescribed to treat RA.
• These include antimalarial agents, gold salts, immunosuppressive drugs, and corticosteroids. An injection of a corticosteroid into the joint can often help.
• Physical therapy is another treatment option; heat or cold applications and gentle exercises may be prescribed.
• A splint worn at night, or one that permits movement as it protects the elbow from stresses, may also be helpful.
• Other assistine devices, such as handle extensions, can be used to maintain daily activities.

If your arthritis does not respond to the above treatments, you and your physician may discuss surgical options. Because several nerves are near the elbow, a skilled orthopedic surgeon should be consulted. Surgery usually results in improved pain control and increased range of motion.

Procedure

The exact procedure will depend on the type of arthritis you have, the stage of the disease, your age, expectations, and activity requirements. Arthroscopy, a procedure involving pencil-sized instruments and two or three small incisions, allows the surgeon to remove bone spurs, loose fragments, or a portion of the diseased synovium. This procedure can be used to treat both RA and OA. Another procedure is called a synovectomy; here, the surgeon removes the diseased synovium. Sometimes, a portion of bone is also removed to provide a greater range of motion. This procedure is often used in the early stages of RA. In an osteotomy, part of the bone is removed to relieve pressure on the joint. This procedure is often used to treat OA. In an arthroplasty, the surgeon creates an artificial joint using either an internal prosthesis or an external fixation device. A total joint replacement is usually reserved for patients over 60 years old or patients with RA in advanced stages.