The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults. The term "arthritis" means joint inflammation. Arthritis is a broad term, used to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints and connective tissues, according to the CDC.
Types
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis within the older population, according to National Institute on Aging (NIA). The NIA states arthritis begins when the padding between bones known as cartilage begins to wear, causing bones to rub against one another. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the hands, neck, lower back, knees and hips.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects numerous joints at one time. It often occurs in the same joint on both sides of the body, according to the NIA. The NIA states rheumatoid arthritis can also cause problems with the heart, muscles, blood vessels, nervous system and eyes.
Gout is a painful condition in which the body cannot eliminate uric acid. Excessive uric acid forms needle-like crystals within an individual's joint. Gout causes swelling and severe pain.
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. MayoClinic.com lists osteoarthritis symptoms as joint pain, joint tenderness, joint stiffness, loss of flexibility, grating sensations and bone spurs.
Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the smaller joints first, such as in the hands, wrists and ankles, then progresses to larger joints, such as those in the knees, hips and jaw, according to the MayoClinic.com. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include joint pain, joint swelling, firm bumps of tissue under the skin, fatigue, morning stiffness, fever and weight loss. Symptoms may come and go as well as vary in severity.
Gout causes acute symptoms that occur suddenly without warning. MayoClinic.com states gout typically affects the big toe, but it can also occur in the feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. Other symptoms include lingering discomfort, inflammation or redness.
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis is often visible in X-rays, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The cartilage lost can easily be detected if the normal space between the bones in a joint is narrowed, there is an abnormal increase in bone density, or there is visible bony projections or erosions.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose. UMMC states that specific findings such as morning stiffness, involvement of three joints at the same time, bilateral pain, subcutaneous nodules, positive rheumatoid factor and changes in X-rays are most likely to suggest rheumatoid arthritis.
The diagnosis of gout begins with a physical examination to see what joints become affected. A blood test is usually conducted to measure uric acid levels and detect hyperuricemia. UMMC states that synovial fluid examination, which looks at the fluid within the synovial membrane that cushions the joint, is the most accurate method for diagnosing gout.
Medication
Arthritis medication is used to decrease inflammation, preserve bone longer and reduce symptoms. Osteoarthritis patients are typically prescribed acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tramadol or cortisone shots.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, immunosuppressants and/or TNF-alpha inhibitors.
Short-term gout medication consists of anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine and corticosteroids. Long-term medications prescribed to patients to lower their uric acid levels within the blood include uricosuric agents and allopurinol.
Prevention
Osteoarthritis and gout are preventable diseases, while rheumatoid arthritis is not. The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis decreases when individuals maintain a healthy body weight, protect their bodies from serious injury and exercise daily. Gout susceptibility decreases when an individual has adequate fluid consumption, limits alcohol consumption, consumes low-fat dairy products and limits consumption of meat.
