Arthritis Diseases - A Summary

There are many types of arthritic conditions that fall under the heading of "Arthritis".  Arthritis is the inflammation of the bone joints that results in pain known as arthralgia.  When the inflammation is not controlled it can lead to tissue damage.

The  different types of arthritis number well over the one hundred mark, making it one of the most common chronic illnesses in the world.  The symptoms and causes vary from wear and tear, injury, infection, inheritance and metabolism.  The causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus still remain unclear.

Arthritis is one of the rheumatic diseases, showing different symptoms, treatments, outcome and complications.  The similarity between them is that they affect the joints, tendons, cartilage, ligaments and muscles.  Many arthritic complaints can also affect other parts of the body.

Some Common Arthritis Complaints

Osteoarthritis is generally associated with the wear and tear of joints, whereas Rheumatoid Arthritis is associated with an over-active immune system.  Gout on the other hand is an accumulation of uric acid in the body.  The causes of Fibromyalgia (formerly known as Fibrositis) are as yet unknown, patients suffering this disease complain of tendon, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, bowel problems and anxiety.  Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes severe inflammation. 

Treatment

The treatment for "Arthritic Diseases" is as varied as the diseases themselves.  Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are widely used to reduce inflammation together with medication to suppress the body's immune system.  Patient education is important to assist in understanding  the particular disease and reduce stress levels.  In some cases rest, weight reduction, occupational therapy and joint support devices are beneficial.  Diet is another important aspect of helping arthritis sufferers.

Many people receive noticable relief from a wide range of "alternate treatments".  Magnetic therapy has been found to offer relief from pain, the use of copper jewelry is also a source of relief for some sufferers.  Tens machines are widely used for pain relief.   Relaxation, meditation and energy healing are becoming more widely used as people shy away from some of the more controversial drugs. Acupuncture also offers relief from the pain associated with the disease.

The prognosis varies from case to case and disease to disease.  The less severe cases can be little more than an annoyance to the sufferer, whereas in chronic cases of say Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Lupus the effects can be extremely debilitating.  The long lasting effects can result in surgery to eleviate deformed and painful joints.  Most people manage to find a treatment that suits their particular problems, but it is worthwhile looking at some of the alternatives to drugs and ask your medical practitioner if they would be suitable for you.

Your Pets Can Suffer Too!

Of course it is not just humans that suffer from arthritic disease, animals also get their share of this painful condition.  Alternate therapy is also available to animals, especially domestic pets.  As with humans, drug therapy is often used but the side effects can be just as bad for them.  Animals lend themselves to energy healing and other forms of "new age" therapy perhaps even better than a lot of people.  Many Veterinarians are treating animals with more natural types of treatment today.