Inflammation of the joints. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually occurs with age and affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that often affects the hands and feet. Other types include gout,lupus ,fibromyalgia ,septic arthritis.
It is more common among the old age group of above 65 years.I t is more common in women when compared to men.
The arthritis afffcets single joints or multiple joints.
Type sof arthritis:
1.Rheumatoid arthritis:
It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the joints.initially the synovial memebrane becomes swollen due to the predisposing factor and losses its smoothness and it ends in thickening of the embrane.Blood flow to the site is increased and depositions of fibers and white blood cells happen giving rise to the formation of pannus(a mass formed from fibres) which reduces the gap between two joints resulting in stiffness of the joints.sometimes the joint bone is exposed.
2.Osteoarthritis:
It ocuurs mainly in cartilages.Inspite of greater number of inflammatory cells taking the reactions osteoarthritis mainly depends upon the chondrocytes(termed as cartilage producing cells).The main problem is the cartilages rejunuvate and new cells are formed but the new cells undergoes death very soon.The degeneration of the chondrocytes continues.In the end cartilages crack and small pieces come out of the fluid and thus the synovial fluid starts to flow away from the joints.Resulting in bony outgrowth and the tissue expands.
3.Juvenile idiopathic arthritis:
Chronic joint inflammation and occurs before the age of 16.itincludes:
4.Seronegative spondylo arthropathies: it is immune mediated and infkammmation is caused by an unknown antigen
5.nfectious arthritis:
It is also termed as septic arthritis.micro organisms enter the joint space and infect the articular spaces.it includes,
6.Crystal induced arthritis:
Crystals include monosodium urate as in gout,disodium phosphoglycerate as in pseudo gout,calcium phosphate .these are termed as exogenous crstals.Endogenous crystals include corticosteroid crystals,polyethylene,methylacrylate and talcum.deposition of these crystals occurs in spaces between the articular joint.
Traumatic arthritis:
Traumatic or post-traumatic arthritis is joint inflammation due to injury. The trauma may affect the entire joint or just parts of its like the cartilage or bone. It may be caused by a fall, sporting injury like a kick, motor vehicle accident, assault, bullet or knife wound and so on.
:joint stiffness
Pain during movement of the joints
Malaise and fatigue
Weight loss
Rashes
Muscle ache and pain
Tenderness
Numbness and tingling
Reduced range of motions
Laboratory test:
Analysis of different types of body fluid is indicated.Fluids include blood,urine and joint fluids.
Imaging:
Xrays-bone can show damage to cartilage,bone damage and bone spurs.but xray fails to show any arthritic damage
Computerized tomography:it shows cross sectional views of internal structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging:
Cross section studies of soft tissues such as cartilage ,tendons and ligaments are obtained.
Ultrasound:
Soft tissue image,cartilage and fluid structure are obtained.
Arthroscopy:It is an 3D device used to visualize the joint images.
the prognosis is good on taking medications
Do stretch exercises
Reduce the body weight
Eat fish or twice a week-since fish contains omega 3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation in the bone.
Exercise regularly
Protect the joints and avoid joint injuries.
Recovery period:
It is a chronic condition.It might takes months to years to go away.
