Is arthritis hampering your style?
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Highland District Hospital
Fifty million Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis – a condition that refers to more than 100 different diseases that cause pain, swelling and limited movement in joints or other parts of the musculoskeletal system, according to the Arthritis Foundation. By 2030 that number is estimated to grow to 67 million. Of those currently diagnosed with arthritis, more than 21 million have arthritis-related activity limitations, costing the U.S. economy $128 billion in lost wages and productivity every year. Early diagnosis is vital to managing pain.
“There are many types of arthritis and each has specific symptoms and treatments. Most types of arthritis are chronic,” says Paul Schreibman, M.D., Family Practice Physician of Lynchburg Medical Center. “Having arthritis doesn’t limit you from having a full and productive life, but getting immediate care is best for managing this disease.”
“Arthritis typically affects joints in your body where cartilage between two bones has become worn. Symptoms include redness, heat, stiffness and swelling. It’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong,” says Dr. Schreibman. Other symptoms may include fever, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and a rash or itch. “These symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses, so it is best to see your healthcare provider who can tell you if you have arthritis and what treatments are best. If you do take over-the-counter pain relief or supplements, let your physician know what these are,” advises Dr. Schreibman. “Following an examination, X-rays may be recommended along with blood tests to determine the type of arthritis and its current impact on your health.”
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and typically occurs in older adults, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. It affects fingers, knees, hips and the spine. Osteoarthritis may also appear in joints that were injured years earlier from a car accident or a fall. When the cartilage is worn or gone, bone on bone wear can cause permanent joint damage — and pain. Being overweight contributes to the wear on joints. To manage osteoarthritis pain and to improve function, therapies may include exercise: weight control, rest, pain relief, and possibly surgery.
Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are two additional forms of arthritis that affect older adults. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the body’s immune or defense system is not working properly. It generally affects the bones and joints in the hands and feet, but may also affect internal organs such as the lungs or body parts such as eyes and mouth. It can also throw the body’s systems out of order, making the sufferer feel tired, sick and possibly run a fever. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men and often starts between ages 25 and 55. Symptoms may come and go or the severe form can last a lifetime. Treatment might include medication, lifestyle changes and possibly surgery to stop joint damage and reduce pain and swelling.
Gout is caused by crystals that build up in the joint causing inflammation and pain. The big toe is typically affected, but other joins can also become painful. Changes in diet are usually recommended to eliminate food rich in purines like liver, died beans, peas, anchovies or gravy. Limiting alcohol intake may also be recommended. Losing weight might help lessen symptoms. Certain medication may also make gout symptoms worse. Blood tests and x-rays will help confirm the presence of gout.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects children and is an autoimmune disorder. Limping may be the first symptom but joint swelling, pain and redness may also appear. It can affect growth in some children. Medication and physical therapy can help reduce swelling and pain so kids can keep moving.
Reactive arthritis occurs when infection spreads from another part of the body to a joint. Usually affected are knees, ankles or toes. Infections that typically spread start in the bladder, urethra or, for women, the vagina. Reactive arthritis can also be caused by sexually transmitted or food-borne bacteria. Tests on blood, urine and joint fluid may be preformed. Treatment usually involves medication and in some cases surgery.
Arthritis can damage not only joints but also internal organs and skin. Dr. Schreibman recommends trying the following to minimize damage and get some comfort:
• keep weight down for less pressure on knees and hips
• exercise to keep joints moving
• take medications as directed to reduce pain and swelling
• take a warm morning shower
• see your health care provider regularly.[[In-content Ad]]
Highland District Hospital
Fifty million Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis – a condition that refers to more than 100 different diseases that cause pain, swelling and limited movement in joints or other parts of the musculoskeletal system, according to the Arthritis Foundation. By 2030 that number is estimated to grow to 67 million. Of those currently diagnosed with arthritis, more than 21 million have arthritis-related activity limitations, costing the U.S. economy $128 billion in lost wages and productivity every year. Early diagnosis is vital to managing pain.
“There are many types of arthritis and each has specific symptoms and treatments. Most types of arthritis are chronic,” says Paul Schreibman, M.D., Family Practice Physician of Lynchburg Medical Center. “Having arthritis doesn’t limit you from having a full and productive life, but getting immediate care is best for managing this disease.”
“Arthritis typically affects joints in your body where cartilage between two bones has become worn. Symptoms include redness, heat, stiffness and swelling. It’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong,” says Dr. Schreibman. Other symptoms may include fever, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and a rash or itch. “These symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses, so it is best to see your healthcare provider who can tell you if you have arthritis and what treatments are best. If you do take over-the-counter pain relief or supplements, let your physician know what these are,” advises Dr. Schreibman. “Following an examination, X-rays may be recommended along with blood tests to determine the type of arthritis and its current impact on your health.”
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and typically occurs in older adults, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. It affects fingers, knees, hips and the spine. Osteoarthritis may also appear in joints that were injured years earlier from a car accident or a fall. When the cartilage is worn or gone, bone on bone wear can cause permanent joint damage — and pain. Being overweight contributes to the wear on joints. To manage osteoarthritis pain and to improve function, therapies may include exercise: weight control, rest, pain relief, and possibly surgery.
Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are two additional forms of arthritis that affect older adults. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the body’s immune or defense system is not working properly. It generally affects the bones and joints in the hands and feet, but may also affect internal organs such as the lungs or body parts such as eyes and mouth. It can also throw the body’s systems out of order, making the sufferer feel tired, sick and possibly run a fever. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more women than men and often starts between ages 25 and 55. Symptoms may come and go or the severe form can last a lifetime. Treatment might include medication, lifestyle changes and possibly surgery to stop joint damage and reduce pain and swelling.
Gout is caused by crystals that build up in the joint causing inflammation and pain. The big toe is typically affected, but other joins can also become painful. Changes in diet are usually recommended to eliminate food rich in purines like liver, died beans, peas, anchovies or gravy. Limiting alcohol intake may also be recommended. Losing weight might help lessen symptoms. Certain medication may also make gout symptoms worse. Blood tests and x-rays will help confirm the presence of gout.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects children and is an autoimmune disorder. Limping may be the first symptom but joint swelling, pain and redness may also appear. It can affect growth in some children. Medication and physical therapy can help reduce swelling and pain so kids can keep moving.
Reactive arthritis occurs when infection spreads from another part of the body to a joint. Usually affected are knees, ankles or toes. Infections that typically spread start in the bladder, urethra or, for women, the vagina. Reactive arthritis can also be caused by sexually transmitted or food-borne bacteria. Tests on blood, urine and joint fluid may be preformed. Treatment usually involves medication and in some cases surgery.
Arthritis can damage not only joints but also internal organs and skin. Dr. Schreibman recommends trying the following to minimize damage and get some comfort:
• keep weight down for less pressure on knees and hips
• exercise to keep joints moving
• take medications as directed to reduce pain and swelling
• take a warm morning shower
• see your health care provider regularly.[[In-content Ad]]