The term "arthritis" means: inflammation
of a joint and is widely used as an umbrella name for more than
100 different conditions that can cause aching and pain in the
body's joints and connective tissues. Not all of these conditions
necessarily involve inflammation; some of them are very common
and some are very rare.
Some forms of arthritis are very serious and, if left untreated, can result in substantial or complete disability. Others may cause only a mild discomfort, which may be totally controlled with proper care and treatment.
In all its forms, arthritis affects nearly 4 million Canadians: men, women and children of all ages, in all parts of the county.
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout and ankylosing spondylitis. These five account for more than half of all types of arthritis diagnosed in Canada today. Though each type of arthritis demands its own specific diagnosis and treatment program, there is one common factor to all: the earlier a proper diagnosis is made, and the sooner proper treatment is applied, the better the patient's chance of avoiding disability or deformity.
Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. Almost three million Canadians suffer from osteoarthritis in varying degrees. Sometime this type of arthritis is also called "degenerative joint disease", a consequence of the wearing out of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. More often than not, osteoarthritis develops late in life and generally affects only a few joints - usually in the major weight-bearing joints of the hip, knee and spine. It may occur in a single joint that has been injured or that has a developmental defect.
A treatment program for osteoarthritis may involve drugs, rest, splints, special exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint, and lessons in how to perform daily activities in new ways that will offer greater joint protection. A weight-reduction plan may also be suggested, if the patient's extra weight is causing unnecessary joint strain. In severe cases, surgery to repair or replace damaged joints - especially those of the hips or knees - might be recommended. Many people with osteoarthritis have little more than mild discomfort, which can often be relieved by rest and simple medications. Others may have much more serious problems that will demand special comprehensive care and treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 270,000 Canadians. It causes inflammation and can affect the whole body - although the hands, wrists and feet are the most often affected. For unknown reasons, rheumatoid arthritis attacks women more than men. It usually strikes in middle life, between ages 40 and 50, although it can begin both earlier and later. Rheumatoid arthritis is constantly painful and sometimes can result in substantial or complete disability. In most cases, this can be prevented.
In mild forms of rheumatoid arthritis, there is only minor discomfort and no joint deformity. In severe cases, ongoing treatment can prevent disability and restore lost joint function. The onset of this disease can be sudden, but it usually develops more slowly. Early warning signs often include morning stiffness, tiredness and painful joints. The joints stiffen, swell and become painful, rendering full joint movement difficult and painful. The worst symptoms are most often in the morning and after long periods of lying still or resting in one position. To avoid serious problems, patients should not ignore these early warning signs or delay seeing their family doctor.
Generally, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involves a combination of medication, rest, exercise and joint protection - all prescribed by a physician who, sometimes, is supported by a team of physical and/or occupational therapists. Therapy can help patients learn the best way to cope with the disease in their daily lives. In some severe cases, prolonged bed rest in hospital may be required to bring the disease under control.
Medications for rheumatoid arthritis vary considerably and are usually prescribed to combat inflammation. Inflammation may proceed to joint damage, and then very powerful medications may be required. Medication should always be taken exactly as prescribed to obtain maximum benefit.
Gout and Pseudogout Gout and pseudogout are types of arthritis, resulting from a disorder in the body's chemistry, in which crystals are deposited in the joint. They are among the most painful diseases known to mankind and are far more common than most people believe. Approximately 390,000 Canadians suffer from gout and pseudogout.
Gout results from excess uric acid in the body. Sometimes, uric acid is deposited as crystals in a joint, often the large joint of the big toe. Most times, acute attacks of gout can be prevented by medication. Between 80 and 90 percent of the people with gout are men, and the most common age for a first attack is between 40 and 50, although it can strike at any age.
Recognized only since 1962 as a distinct disease, pseudogout is episodic and acute, similar to true gout, but it involves calcium crystals. The attacks occur in one or more joints, most often the knee, wrist or ankle. Why the calcium crystals form, and what triggers attacks of the disease, is still unknown.
Attacks of pseudogout are similar to those of gout, but generally less painful. They strike men and women equally, usually in the mid-60s, and are rarely seen in people under 30. Attacks usually peak within 12 to 36 hours and last from several days to several weeks. Attacks of pseudogout are not related to diet.
People can have both pseudogout and true gout. What's more, they may have osteoarthritis, making an accurate diagnose difficult. Treatment for pseudogout is less satisfactory than for true gout. As yet, no drug exists that can remove the calcium crystals. Normally, treatment includes medication for inflammation, rest and exercise.
More than 26,000 Canadians have ankylosing spondylitis - a type of arthritis that belongs almost exclusively to men. The most common age for onset of this disease is between 18 and 28.
Ankylosing Spondylitis affects the spine. Usually, it starts in the low back. Left untreated, this disease can result in bone growing between the spine's vertebrae, causing permanent stiffening. If this happens, even the most simple bending, twisting and stretching movements might well be impossible.
In some patients, particularly women, ankylosing spondylitis may occur in atypical forms such as back ache or pain, and may also affect peripheral joints.
Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis function normally, despite chronic discomfort for many years. The disease can occasionally cause eye and heart problems.
The most common early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are hip and lower back pain and stiffness that persists for more than three months. This stiffness poses the biggest threat to people with the disease, and patients must work constantly at maintaining good posture and a regular exercise program. Also, because the disease tends to be less aggressive after the age of 35, early diagnosis and treatment is very important.
This treatment usually involves medication to control the inflammation and a vigorous therapy program to maintain mobility.
Juvenile arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and arthritis due to infection are other types of arthritis that are less common but serious enough to be of major concern. Because they are very complex diseases, their symptoms and treatment cannot be easily described in this pamphlet.
As well, there are a number of conditions related to arthritis that involve inflammation or irritation of the structures supporting the joint, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. These condition include bursitis, tendinitis, fibrositis and polymyositis.
[_private/navbar6.htm]
- A correct diagnosis is the foundation of proper treatment.
- An early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the final result will be.
- Treatment is available that can prevent or reduce disability, but most forms of arthritis cannot yet be eliminated completely.
- Known treatment measures are effective.
- Your success in fighting arthritis will be determined by more than just the treatment your doctor prescribes. You are the most important part of your own treatment team. Become involved, and follow your prescribed treatment program faithfully.
- Medications are your responsibility. Your doctor will prescribe them, but it is up to you to make sure that you take them as advised. Never change your own dosage, or take more or fewer of them, without consulting your doctor.
- Ask questions, and learn as much as you can about your disease. An informed patient usually suffers fewer fears.
