Rheumatoid Arthritis- is a
form of arthritis which causes inflammation in the lining of the joints
and in other internal organs. Rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age
but it usually shows up in people between the ages of 25 and 50.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects three times as many women as men. As is true
with osteoarthritis the sooner the diagnosis the better the treatment
outcome. If rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed early than the odds of
avoiding a deformity leading to disability is greatly increased.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may vary from person to person. It should be
noted that the attack on the body is very symmetrical in nature. For
example, if the knuckles on one side of the body are affected chances are
great the other side will be affected also. The joints most commonly
involved are: wrists, knuckles, elbows, ankles, shoulders, knees, hip and
jaw. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The body actually
begins to attack itself. If not treated immediately a significant
disability can result. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown.
Researchers believe hereditary plays a role in the development of
rheumatoid arthritis. The gene is believed to be passed from parent to
offspring and then activated when exposure to an infection occurs. This
theory has yet to be proven.
Childhood arthritis- One
child in every thousand under the age of sixteen will be affected by
arthritis. Childhood arthritis also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
uses medication and exercise to treat inflammation, pain and stiffness. If
children are identified and treated early they have a very good prognosis
of avoiding any physical disabilities when they enter adulthood.
Fibromyalgia-is also known
as soft tissue rheumatism, fibrositis and non-articular rheumatism. It
affects approximately between two to five percent of the population.
Fibromyalgia is found in the female population four times more often than
in their male counterparts. It usually occurs in people over the age of
50.
Gout- occurs when crystals of
uric acid settle in the joints and cause an inflammation. Uric acid is
normally present in the body but in the case of gout the uric acid levels
are extremely high. Uric acid crystals can also collect under the skin,
and settle in soft tissues such as the kidneys and urinary tract. Gout is
extremely painful.
Systemic lupus erythematosus-
also known as lupus. This form of arthritis causes inflammation in the
skin, nervous system, heart, lungs, blood vessels and kidneys.
Psoriatric arthritis-
usually occurs in men and women between the ages of 20 to 50. This form of
arthritis affects not only the skin and nails but the joints as well.
Lyme Disease-occurs with the
bite of an infected tick. A rash will usually occur at the bite site and
joint and muscle pain will result. Sixty percent of those bitten by an
infected tick will develop arthritis within six months. One fifth of those
who show positive signs of arthritis in six months will be permanently
affected.