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Arthritis

It seems as we age that a bit of slowing down is inevitable. Most people expect to wake each morning with stiffness and a few aches and pains. Arthritis is a very common product of old age, with at least three million people diagnosed with arthritis every year in the U.S. However, arthritis isn’t just for the aging. And, if you’re suffering you don’t need to simply accept that you’ll always be in pain. Here’s what you need to know about causes of arthritis and treatments.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that is characterized by inflammation of one or more joints. Symptoms ranges in severity from moderate to severe and in its late stages can be crippling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50% of adults 65 and older have been diagnosed as suffering from arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, a condition that is caused by gradual wear-and-tear of the joints, is the most common.

Another common type—rheumatoid arthritis—is not caused by deterioration. Instead, this is caused by an auto-immune disorder that causes the body to attack its own tissues. This causes the inflammation, pain, and deterioration common to arthritic disorders.

Similarly, psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs most often in people with psoriasis (another autoimmune disorder).

Facet joint arthritis occurs in the facet joints of the spine and can be a result of injury or simply wear-and-tear over time.

For wear-and-tear types of arthritis, age is a main risk factor, as well-used joints simply get worn as we get older.

  • Injury to the joint
  • Occupational hazards (e.g., repetitive motion)
  • Infections in or around the joint
  • Intense, frequent sports activity (e.g., long-distance running)

What are arthritis treatments?

As of yet, no cure for arthritis exists; however, there are medications, procedures, and treatments that can alleviate some of the pain caused by it.

Treatments are generally non- to minimally-invasive and are conservative in nature. Arthritis may not have a cure, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to a life with pain. There is help.

arthritis

These consist of a corticosteroid injection that may reduce inflammation and pain in the joint. In some cases, you’ll need a series of injections for relief.

By replacing the damaged joint with a plastic or metal prosthesis, you may experience a pain-free lifestyle, resuming activities that were previously impossible due to pain.

While knee and hip replacements are the most common, medical technology has advanced to allow for shoulder joint replacements, elbow joint replacements, and finger joint replacements.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website:
 http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis_related_stats.htm
  • Mayo Clinic Website:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019