| What is arthritis? | | | | worsens, they would contract fever. |
| The word arthritis originated from the Greek word | | | | What is the treatment for arthritis? |
| arthro which means "joint" and itis which means | | | | Arthritis treatment would depend largely upon the type |
| "inflammation". Arthritis thus literally means inflammation | | | | of arthritis a person has. It is thus necessary to consult |
| of the joint. A joint is an area of our body where two | | | | a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and correct |
| or more bones meet. Joints connect the various bones | | | | treatment. |
| within our skeleton. The ends of our joints are covered | | | | Treatment for arthritis includes hot pack and cold pack |
| with cartilage, a soft and pliable material which acts as | | | | application, lifestyle change, medication, physical and |
| a cushion between the bones of the joints. When the | | | | occupational therapy, dietary supplements, splinting, |
| cartilage breaks or wear and tear because of age, | | | | injections and surgical operations. |
| disease, injury and excessive activity, one may suffer | | | | Cold pack is applied to an inflamed joint while hot |
| arthritis. | | | | compress is to used address joint pain and stiffness. |
| What are the symptoms of arthritis? | | | | Lifestyle change which includes weight loss and |
| Arthritis symptoms vary from person to person but | | | | exercise is suggested to reduce stress on the joints |
| generally, they include: joint pain, deformity, swelling, | | | | and to improve joint function. Physical therapy is |
| redness and warmth, limited function of the joint, | | | | recommended as it has been shown to delay surgical |
| muscle and joint stiffness, loss of appetite, fatigue or | | | | operation in advance cases. Exercise helps improve |
| exhaustion, fever, unexplained weight loss and crepitus | | | | muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. Occupational |
| (also known as creaky joints, popping joints, snapping | | | | therapy teaches ways and techniques on how to |
| joints). | | | | minimize stress on the joint from everyday activities. |
| Persons afflicted with arthritis would experience pain | | | | Medications used to treat arthritis include non-steroidal |
| usually in the joints of the hands, knees, hips and spine. | | | | anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Aleva) and |
| They would have difficulty in writing, holding an object, | | | | pain relievers (Celebrex, Tramadol). Medications usually |
| getting up from a chair, walking, bending, or kneeling | | | | start with drugs that have few side effects and shift |
| because of joint pain. The areas around their affected | | | | to stronger ones as the disease advances. Dietary |
| joints would become red, hot and swollen. Sometimes, | | | | supplements like Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also |
| their fingers and toes would look like sausages. Their | | | | used to treat arthritis. Such supplements ease pain of |
| joints also become stiff for hours. When they stand or | | | | arthritis. Injection of hyaluronates (gel-like substance) |
| get out of bed, a crackling noise would be heard. The | | | | into the knee joint to supplement the viscous properties |
| creaking may occur with or without pain. Person with | | | | of synovial fluid is prescribed in knee arthritis. Joint |
| arthritis would experience weakness, fatigue and | | | | surgery is resorted to when the damage is severe |
| exhaustion because of their limited physical mobility. | | | | and when all the other treatments failed. |
| They would also lose appetite. When their condition | | | | |