Arthritis is a term that means inflammation in one or more joints. Arthritis results in pain, swelling and stiffness that limits movement. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the more common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
According to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting mostly middle-aged and older adults. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is caused when there is breakdown of joint cartilage. As the cartilage breaks down, it loses its elasticity and becomes stiff. Eventually it wears away, leading to painful bone-on-bone contact. Osteoarthritis often affects the neck, knees, hips and fingers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is characterized by swelling, warmth and tenderness of the joints. Robert Wood Johnson University identifies RA as the most crippling form of arthritis and it affects 2.1 million Americans. RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joint lining. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and destroys it. The pain with RA can be chronic and persistent, or it can come and go in waves. Pain and stiffness associated with RA is usually widespread and affects joints on both sides of the body. According to "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine," the most commonly affected joints are those in the fingers, wrists, knees and upper spine.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, is a form of arthritis that happens in children ages 15 or younger. With JRA, the pain and stiffness lasts for more than six weeks. Children will often outgrow JRA, but the disease can affect the development of bone formation.
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
The goal in the treatment of osteoarthritis is to reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve mobility. Exercise and strengthening can help to relieve the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Physical therapy or occupational therapy may be beneficial to improve joint flexibility and to help individuals perform daily activities. Patients may be prescribed pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications. Obesity contributes to the pain associated with osteoarthritis, so maintaining a recommended weight is important. In severe cases, joint surgery may be necessary to replace or repair the damaged joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
According to "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine," for the chronic treatment of RA, a medication called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, should be used to treat inflammation and mild to moderate pain. Additional medications may be incorporated into the treatment plan, as needed, which may include drugs to slow bone deformation and immunosuppressive medications to further slow inflammation. Rest and the use of assistive devices to support the affected joint are important in the treatment of RA. Physical therapy may be ordered to maintain optimal functioning for the individual. Even with the use of the above treatments, surgery may be necessary to repair the affected joint.
References
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: Common Types of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
- "Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine"; Allan B. Wolfson (Editor); 2010
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis
