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Question:
I’m pretty sure I have arthritis in my knee. Is there any danger this will
spread?
Answer:
First, anyone who thinks they may have arthritis should see a doctor.
Self-diagnosis
is hazardous to your health. Now, here’s some information about arthritis that
all geezers should know. Arthritis, which comes in different forms, is
inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are
the three most common forms of arthritis among seniors. Osteoarthritis is the
most prevalent. None is contagious.
Osteoarthritis
You
get osteoarthritis when cartilage — the cushioning tissue within the joints —
wears down. This produces stiffness and pain. The disease affects both men and
women. By age 65, more than 50 percent of us have osteoarthritis in at least
one joint.
You
can get osteoarthritis in any joint, but it usually strikes those that support
weight. Common signs of osteoarthritis include joint pain, swelling, and
tenderness. Only a third of people whose x-rays show osteoarthritis, however,
report any symptoms.
Treatments
for osteoarthritis include exercise, joint care, dieting, medicines and
surgery. For pain relief, doctors usually start with acetaminophen, the
medicine in Tylenol, because the side effects are minimal. If acetaminophen
does not relieve pain, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as
ibuprofen and naproxen, may be used.
The
dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate are used by many who say the supplements can relieve the symptoms of
osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid
arthritis, which is characterized by inflammation of the joint lining, is very
different from osteoarthritis. It occurs when the immune system turns against
the body. It not only affects the joints, but may also attack other parts of
the body, such as the lungs and eyes.
People
with rheumatoid arthritis may feel sick.
There’s
a symmetry to rheumatoid arthritis. For example, if
the right knee is affected, it’s likely the left knee will suffer, too. Women
are much more likely than men to get rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatments
for rheumatoid arthritis include exercise, medication and surgery. Reducing
stress is important.
Some
drugs for rheumatoid arthritis relieve pain. Some reduce inflammation. And then
there are the DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), which can often
slow the disease.
Gout
Gout
usually attacks at night. Stress, alcohol, drugs or an illness can trigger
gout. It’s caused by a build-up of crystals of uric acid in a joint. Uric acid
is in all human tissue and is found in foods.
Often,
gout affects joints in the lower part of the body, such as the ankles, heels,
knees, and especially the big toes. The disease is more common in men. Early
attacks usually subside within three to 10 days, even without treatment, and
the next attack may not occur for months or even years.
Most
people with gout are able to control their symptoms with treatment.
The
most common treatments are high doses of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, or corticosteroids, which are taken by mouth or injected into the
affected joint.
Patients
often begin to improve within a few hours of treatment.
If
you have a question, please write to fredcicetti@gmail.com
All Rights Reserved
© 2007 by Fred Cicetti