ARTHRITIS: INFORMATION ON ARTHRITIS

ARTHRITIS

The term arthritis is derived from the Greek: arthron meaning joint and it is meaning inflammation.

So, technically speaking, arthritis simply describes a joint that is red, hot, swollen, tender and that is functionally impaired. Arthritis is frequently a chronic illness meaning that it may last for months or years.

One of the lesser known forms or arthritis is called psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition that is evidenced by red, raised or patchy areas of skin as well as the classic joint pain symptoms that are common to just about all forms of arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is a painful, inflammatory condition of the joints that usually (but not always) occurs in association with psoriasis of the skin. However, arthritis is not directly inherited and it is extremely rare for more than one member of a family to be affected.

Arthritis-related problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tissue that covers the ends of bones, enabling them to move against each another) and surrounding structures.

Arthritis is not one disease with one cause.

Joints

Joint swelling is common and the small joints of the hands and feet are those most usually affected, but it can occur in any of the joints. Joint stiffness and pain may be mild one day but become so severe the next that the child cannot move without great difficulty. This can result in joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with the most
basic daily tasks such as walking, driving a car and preparing food.

Education is also of great importance, as the patient learns about the arthritic process and how to minimize symptoms and protect the damaged joint surfaces. Most types of arthritis involve joint inflammation. And, unless this inflammatory process is stopped, it will continue to
attack the body and cause joint destruction. In addition to joints, the kidneys are a big target of this disease.

When a joint is inflamed, the most comfortable position is for the joint to be bent and, if it is not regularly straightened, it may get stuck in this position.

Rheumatoid arthritis not only damages joints but can also affect the muscles, lungs, skin,
blood vessels, nerves and eyes. The continuous inflammation in the joints accounts for the damage of joints. Swelling of the joint is partly due to increased fluid in the joint cavity and partly due to thickening of the lining of the joint capsule (arthritis). Often the same
joints on both sides of the body become affected. If the pain is very severe, the muscles
surrounding the affected joints contract and stiffen up. Rest decreases the swelling and pain around inflamed joints and reduces fatigue. In some cases, splints may be prescribed to rest joints, hold them in correct positions and prevent muscles around joints from becoming too tight.

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