Premium Essay

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Degenerative Joint Disease

Submitted By
Words 846
Pages 4
Arthritis is broadly defined as painful inflammation of the joints, however there are approximately 100 different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is the most chronic joint condition and affects approximately 33 million people. It results from the overuse of joints, is associated with aging, may be the consequence of demanding sports where may be injured, or obesity (Guilak, 2011). Osteoarthritis is most common in joints that bear weight, such as the spine, hips, knees and feet. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are localized pain while symptoms such as feeling ill and fatigue or tiredness are typically not present as other …show more content…
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks parts of the body, typically the joints (Cooney et al., 2011). Overtime, chronic inflammation may lead to severe joint damage and deformities, possibly resulting in lumps on the patient’s skin, often over joints that receive pressure such as knuckles, elbows or heels. These lumps occur in approximately one in five patients and are called rheumatoid nodules. Unlike osteoarthritis, symptoms of RA include more severe pain, fatigue, loss of appetite and stiffness in hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, jaw and neck. Typically RA pain occurs in multiple joints at one time (Cooney et al., 2011). Similarly, these pains tend to be observed in a symmetrical patters, for example, if the left knee is inflamed, the right knee will also be inflamed. Over a period of time, joint pain will accumulate numerous joints and become warm to the touch. This pain may also interfere with activities such as opening a jar, if joint swelling is persistent (Cooney et al., 2011). As the patient with RA becomes elderly, stiffness on arising in the morning may last for hours or even most of the day rather than just as a temporary nuisance. The fatigue associated with RA may become debilitating while the inflammation may cause reduced appetite and …show more content…
Psoriatic arthritis affects only approximately 3% of the population, however those that do have this form of arthritis, present with patchy, raised, red and white areas of skin inflammation with scaling (Coates et al. 2010). PsA causes sausage-like swelling of fingers and toes along with pitted or discoloured fingernails. Contrary to the other two types of arthritis mentioned above, PsA often has joint pain in only one, or few joints. For example, fingers and toes may be affected or just the spine or knee. Combinations of numerous joint pains are uncommon. The skin disease associated with psoriatic arthritis, often appears separately from the arthritis and usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50 (Coates et al.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Anatomy and Physiology Sci 136

...different types of Arthritis. Some of these types are caused by infections, some by injury, some by aging, and some by entirely unknown causes. Infectious arthritis may follow influenza, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, syphilis or gonorrhea. Arthritis of an unknown cause is common and Rheumatoid arthritis is the worst form. Chronic arthritis is common. It has three main forms: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition of one or more joints the main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. This is the most common form of arthritis. This disease is known as a degenerative joint disease. It affects about 80% of all Americans. The pain is caused by the degeneration of the joint. The damage to the cartilage occurs as the disease progresses and degenerates and may form some bony spurs at the end of the bones. The bones may grind against each other. Cartilage normally serves as a shock-absorbing cushion between the bones. When it breaks down it results in bones rubbing directly against one another during movement. This friction between the bones causes the bone to thicken, and spurs develop .As time goes on; these abrasions can cause permanent joint damage. Osteoarthritis is most common in the knees, hips, hands and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is the worst form arthritis. It is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects the connective tissue and joints. This disease is very progressive...

Words: 853 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Joint Discomfort Case Study

...Some people could experience moderate joint anguish from minor damage; nevertheless, the soreness can typically by way of subsided readily by resting. That being stated, there are others who have joint discomfort for various reasons comparable to infections, autoimmune illnesses, inflammatory conditions and degenerative ailments. Damage-related joint soreness: persistent joint suffering can be as a result of a stressful injury prior to now. Some individuals may even expertise continuous joint agony since of an injury for the leisure of their lives. Some injuries that may cause affliction within the joints are: severe bruising Dislocation or separation of a joint Sprain of a ligament Overuse of the joint or repetitive action of a specific...

Words: 719 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Osteoarthritis

...Osteoarthritis is a degenerative arthritis, a condition in which joint cartilage breaks down. New tissue, which grows at the ends of bones, now has no cartilage cap to control it. Instead, this new bone forms into strange lips and spurs that grind and grate and get in the way of movement of the joint. Osteoarthritis is common in older people after years of wear-and-tear that thin the cartilage and the bones. Osteoarthritis can also result from diseases in which there is softening of the bone, like Paget's disease in which the long bones of the body curve like a bow, or osteoporosis with its bowing of the shoulder called "dowager's hump," or the breakdown of other bones. Other forms of arthritis can also cause a secondary osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is not an inevitable problem of aging. Those who don't suffer from it may have their heredity and possibly the strength of their immune systems to thank. Medical science is not quite sure of all the factors that come into play in deciding who gets osteoarthritis and who doesn't. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis. It is second only to osteoarthritis in the number of its victims. It affects primarily the small joints in the hands and feet and the synovium, causing crippling deformities. This is an arthritis that usually starts in middle age or earlier. Estimates of the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis run as high as one person in every hundred, and females are two to three times as likely to suffer from it. It seems...

Words: 1621 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Osteoarthritis Research Paper

...Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition, is a long-term chronic disease involving the thinning of cartilage in joints which results in bones rubbing together, engendering stiffness and pain, which often results in impaired forms of kineticism. Osteoarthritis withal can damage ligaments, menisci, and muscles. Bone or cartilage fragments may float in the joint space, causing exasperation and pain. Bone spurs, or osteophytes, may additionally develop, causing adscititious pain and potentially damaging circumventing tissues. OA is cognate with age, but is associated with a variety of both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including obesity, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, bone density, occupational injury, trauma, and gender....

Words: 419 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Natural Joint Pain

...Effective Remedies For Natural Joint Pain Treatment Chronic joint pain is most often caused by some form of arthritis. The inflammation of this debilitating disease can lead to persistent pain that may occur in more than one joint. While it is generally associated with age, arthritis can also result from a joint that has an infection, or one that has been traumatized due to an injury or accident. The most recognized forms of this illness are degenerative joint disease, medically known as osteoarthritis, inflammatory psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Although these illnesses are commonly treated with prescribed medication, many patients are seeking other remedies for natural joint pain treatment. Selecting A Natural Joint Pain Treatment Natural joint treatments for pain are widely used by patients who would like an alternative to hard to swallow pills. Some of...

Words: 507 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Disease and Disorders of Skeletal System

...Diseases and Disorders Leukemia The cause of most human leukemia is unknown. It is a kind of cancer in which abnormal white blood cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner. they interfere with the production of normal white blood cells. Leukemia affects the production of red blood cells. Bursitis Bursitis is a disorder that causes pain in the body's joints. It most commonly affects the shoulder and hip joints. It is caused by an inflammation of the bursa, small fluid-filled bags that act as lubricating surfaces for muscles to move over bones. This inflammation usually results from overactivity of an arm or leg. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease resulting in the loss of bone tissue. In osteoporosis, the cancellous bone loses calcium, becomes thinner, and may disappear altogether. Sprains A sprain is an injury to a ligament or to the tissue that covers a joint. Most sprains result from a sudden wrench that stretches or tears the tissues of the ligaments. A sprain is usually extremely painful. The injured part often swells and turns black and blue. Fractures A fracture is a broken bone. These are some common kinds of fractures: - closed, open, multiple, comminuted, greenstick and spiral Spina bifida Spina bifida is a spinal defect that is present at birth. In spina bifida, the spinal cord does not form properly and the vertebrae and skin cannot form around it. Spina bifida...

Words: 624 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Case Analysis

...Primary Care Physician Initial Evaluation: Patient Name: Mrs. Wright (53 years old) Description: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis HISTORY: Mrs. Wright is a 53-year old female who visited Dr. Curtis on 9/21/2013 for devastating pain dealing with her rheumatoid arthritis. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis on 4/2/2010 by Dr. Ruppert. She was later diagnosed with osteoporosis on 8/5/2010. Along with her arthritis pain, she has other conditions such as: Raynaud syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome-associated constipation (IBS-C), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and chronic urinary tract and upper respiratory infections. She has gained weight because of the lack of exercise she has performing. Wright complains she is too tired to work out and gets tired throughout the day performing normal activities. She also insists she cannot work out because she always gets hot flashes from her menopause and is simply too hot to work out. Wright also explained she lives alone and cannot always go to see a physician because she cannot get someone to drive her there. She is no longer taking the three medications, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and prednisone, prescribed by Dr. Ruppert. She explains she had experienced intolerable side effects, including reflux, alopecia, and severe photosensitivity. Dr. Ruppert ordered a comprehensive laboratory evaluation and identified the following: IgG4 food-specific antibodies, essential fatty acid and amino acid imbalances, nutrient...

Words: 6657 - Pages: 27

Free Essay

What Is Instructors Leadership Style

...& Toys for 4 – 5 Year Olds * Health * Newborn Babies * Skin Problems * Illness * Eyes, Ears, Mouth and Nose * Teen Health * Chronic Conditions * Arthritis * Fibromyalgia * Cholesterol * Diabetes * Depression * Cardiovascular Disease * Adult Health * Allergies * Anaphylaxis * Diagnosis * Newly Diagnosed * Allergy Gear & Fundraising * Allergy Friendly Recipes * Cakes * Muffins * Breads * Pancakes * Cookies & Bars * Meals * Contact Us | Home > Health > Chronic Conditions > Arthritis Arthritis What is ARTHRITIS? Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints of the bones. It is a degenerative bone disease. Many people with arthritis do not have any symptoms in the early stages. Later, as it progresses, arthritis symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Swelling may cause the skin to look tight, smooth or shiny. The muscles surrounding the joint may be sore, too. Some common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis (a.k.a. gout), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. While not all of the causes of arthritis are known, several factors that may contribute to a person’s risk of developing the condition have been identified, including… Heredity: A person’s family history may determine the shape of...

Words: 3285 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Case Study 1

...Clinical Applications Objectives In this chapter we will study • various approaches to the study of disease; • the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; • common causes of disease; • the distinction between signs and symptoms of disease; • terms used to describe the time course of a disease; and • common abbreviations for medical specialists and specialties. Homeostasis and Disease The body’s tendency to maintain internal stability is called homeostasis. Examples include the body’s relatively stable temperature, blood glucose concentration, hormone levels, acid-base balance, and electrolyte balance. When physiological variables deviate too much from their set point, the body activates negative feedback loops that tend to restore stability and maintain health. In some cases, such as the stoppage of bleeding, positive feedback loops are activated to bring about rapid change. If the attempt to regain homeostasis fails, disease results. There is a strong emphasis in medicine today on promoting wellness through prevention. However, this manual focuses on what happens when prevention fails, homeostasis is disrupted, and disease occurs. The Study of Disease Disease (illness) is any deviation from normal that interferes with correct, life-sustaining bodily function. Literally, the word means dis-ease, the opposite of ease (comfort and normal function). Disease may have underlying structural foundations, such as a broken bone, and its effects may be observed not...

Words: 3427 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Prolozone Therapy

...proliferation, because the treatment, which uses injections of ozone, causes the proliferation (growth, formation) of new cartilage and connective tissue in areas where it has become weak or damaged. The response to treatment varies from person to person but most people only need from 5-10 treatments. Prolozone is a homeopathic/oxygen-ozone injection technique developed and pioneered by Dr. Frank Shallenberger MD, HMD in the 1990′s. It is excellent for all forms of musculo-skeletal and joint pain including chronic neck and back pain, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative and arthritic hips and knees, degenerated discs and shoulder and elbow pain. Because in many cases prolozone actually corrects the pathology of the disorder, there is a 75% chance for the chronic pain sufferer to becoming permanently pain free. 2. History: Historical review shows that a version of this technique was first used by Hippocrates on soldiers with dislocated, torn shoulder joints. He would stick a hot poker into the front of the joint and it would then miraculously heal normally. Of course, hot pokers are not in use today but the principle is essentially the same – stimulate the body to repair itself through the use of controlled irritation. The injection of “proliferating” agents first began in...

Words: 1799 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Ethics

...Skeletal.eap3am 8/20/02 1:20 PM Page 50 50 The Body Systems: Clinical and Applied Topics The Skeletal System 6 The skeletal framework of the body is composed of at least 206 bones and the associated tendons, ligaments, and cartilages. The skeletal system has a variety of important functions, including the support of soft tissues, blood cell production, mineral and lipid storage, and, through its relationships with the muscular system, the support and movement of the body as a whole. Skeletal system disorders can thus affect many other systems. The skeletal system is in turn influenced by the activities of other systems. For example, weakness or paralysis of skeletal muscles will lead to a weakening of the associated bones. Although the bones you study in the lab may seem rigid and permanent structures, the living skeleton is dynamic and undergoing continual remodeling. The remodeling process involves bone deposition by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. As indicated in Figure A-16, the net result of the remodeling varies depending on: 2. The applied physical stresses: Heavily stressed bones become thicker and stronger, and lightly stressed bones become thinner and weaker. Skeletal weakness can therefore result from muscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis (p. 66) or the muscular dystrophies (p. 65), and conditions that affect CNS motor neurons, such as spinal cord injuries (p. 75), demyelination disorders (p. 72), or multiple sclerosis (pp. 72, 82). 3....

Words: 6301 - Pages: 26

Free Essay

Fibromyalgia

...sensitization affects the entire body, leading to many secondary symptoms. This paper will cover the history, symptoms, and causes of FMS as well as known treatments and exercise prescription for the syndrome. Fibromyalgia has been described as a full-body migraine. Another common explanation is to compare everyday life with FMS as being similar to the aches and pains associated with a severe case of the flu. FMS patients experience intermittent flares, which are episodes of increased symptoms. Flares usually occur in response to physical or emotional stress, a schedule change, an illness or injury, a new job, the birth of a child, etc. While fibromyalgia is not considered a degenerative disorder, its symptoms usually become more severe if the patient also has a degenerative disorder such as arthritis. First, a patient must have experienced continuous pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least three months (Wolfe et al., 1990). Doctors will usually order many tests in order to rule out other conditions that might be confused with fibromyalgia. The key diagnostic tool for FMS is the tender point exam. No more than 4kg/1.54km2 of pressure is applied to 18 spe­cific points (see Table 1). If there is significant pain in at least 11 of the 18 points, the patient may be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Table 1: Ten­der Point Sites (Wolfe et al., 1990) |Occiput: bilateral, at the suboccipital muscle insertions. ...

Words: 1578 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Health

...massage d. only work areas that don’t cause pain 6. if you are using a technique which requires firm pressure and it’s causing pain, You should? a. have the client qualify the pain and then modify your pressure b. explain to the client why pain is necessary c. continue with the same pressure d. terminate the session 7. What is the best position for massaging a pregnant woman? a. prone b. supine c. on her side d. postural drainage position 8. Which BEST describes the location of the Yin channels? a. anterior b. posterior c. proximal d. distal 9. Where is the center of gravity for a massage/bodywork therapist? a. knees b. shoulders c. pelvis d. legs 10. Which would you use to increase mobility at a joint? a. gliding b. rang of motion c. percussion d. friction 11. Which is the best technique for creating heat in tissues? a. gliding b. kneading c. friction d. tapotement 12. Which is an endangerment site located behind the knee? a....

Words: 7604 - Pages: 31

Free Essay

Test

...Question 1 0.42 out of 0.42 points This is a harmful, undesirable response to a drug Selected Answer:   Adverse reaction Correct Answer:   Adverse reaction Question 2 0.42 out of 0.42 points When it is stated that massage may negate medication, this means that Selected Answer:   Massage will produce the opposite affect wanted by the medication Correct Answer:   Massage will produce the opposite affect wanted by the medication Question 3 0.42 out of 0.42 points The client has white flakes that cling to the hair shafts and don’t brush out. What condition does the client have? Selected Answer:   Head lice Correct Answer:   Head lice Question 4 0.42 out of 0.42 points A client has several raised red circles on his trunk. The circles are paler in the middle. He reports the circles are mildly itchy. What contagious condition is probably present? Selected Answer:   Tinea corporis Correct Answer:   Tinea corporis Question 5 0 out of 0.42 points Hormones and neurotransmitters are influenced by massage. Which of the following is a neurotransmitter? Selected Answer:   Oxytocin Correct Answer:   Serotonin Question 6 0.42 out of 0.42 points This is the most common route used to take medications. Selected Answer:   Enteral Correct Answer:   Enteral Question 7 0 out of 0.42 points In the stages of healing...

Words: 3019 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Methodology In Ojha Students

...this study were 74 subjects. Non-probability purposive sampling techniques were used. Non-probability sampling is when sampling units do not have an equal chance of being included in the sample. Purposive / Consecutive Sampling where the researcher only approaches people who meet certain criteria. This sampling technique consume less time in comparison to other techniques. Inclusion criteria: 1. Individual attains sitting posture for more than 2 hours a day. 2. Age between 30 to 60 years. 3. Consultants of DOW UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, Ojha campus. Exclusion criteria: 1. Person with diagnosed musculoskeletal injuries due to trauma. 2. Person suffers from red flags (ankylosing spondylitis, tumors, infection, rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease). 3. Age below 30 years. 4. Students of medical college, house officers and PGs. 16 3.11 Research Instruments: This Cross-sectional survey study was conducted on consultants of Dow University of health sciences Ojha campus. The data was collected through close ended self-administered questionnaire. 3.5 Research setting: The data was collected from consultants in the premises of Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha campus Karachi, Who attain sitting posture more than 3 hours on daily basis in work place. 3.6 Research Design We used SPSS it helps in getting the most suitable results from the data available. The research design we used in this study is quantitative so as to see the variable of the research; to...

Words: 870 - Pages: 4