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Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A
joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint
functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis
literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is
frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as
arthralgia. There are many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and
growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage
(such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting
from an over-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic
illness in the United States.
Social Security Help
Arthritis is recognized as a disability by the
Social
Security Administration if someone can't work because of the severity of
the condition. You, or someone you know, may:
-
Qualify for monthly disability income from
Social Security--under age 65.
-
Qualify for early Medicare coverage to pay your
medical bills.
-
Collect on the Social Security taxes you've
paid.
Check with your nearest Social Security office or
your attorney to learn what your rights and benefits may be.
Arthritis Causes
The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes
include injury, abnormal metabolism, inheritance, infections, and
for unclear reasons.
Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These
are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with
differing features, treatments, complications, and prognosis. They
are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints,
muscles, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and many have the potential
to affect internal body areas.
Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of
joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized
by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warm. Tenderness of the
inflamed joint can be present.
Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic
diseases, can involve symptoms affecting various organs of the body
that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some
patients with arthritis can also include nonspecific fever, weight
loss, fatigue, and feeling unwell
Diagnosis of Arthritis
The first step in the diagnosis of arthritis is a meeting between
the doctor and the patient. The doctor will review the history of
symptoms, examine the joints for inflammation and deformity, as well
as ask questions about or examine other parts of the body for
inflammation or signs of diseases that can affect other body areas.
Furthermore, certain blood, urine, joint fluid and/or x-ray tests
might be ordered. The diagnosis will be based on the pattern of
symptoms, the distribution of the inflamed joints, and any blood and
x-ray findings. Several visits may be necessary before the doctor
can be certain of the diagnosis. A doctor with special training in
arthritis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist (see
below).
Many forms of arthritis are more of an annoyance than serious.
However, millions of patients suffer daily with pain and disability
from arthritis or its complications.
Earlier and accurate diagnosis can help to prevent irreversible
damage and disability. Properly guided programs of exercise and
rest, medications, physical therapy, and surgery options can
idealize long-term outcomes for arthritis patients.
It should be noted that both before and especially after the
diagnosis of arthritis communication with the treating doctor is
essential for optimal health. This is important from the standpoint
of the doctor, so that he/she can be aware of the vagaries of the
patient's symptoms as well as their tolerance to and acceptance of
treatments. It is important from the standpoint of patients, so that
they can be assured that they have an understanding of the diagnosis
and how the condition does and might affect them. It is also crucial
for the safe use of medications.
Certain drugs used to treat the pain and inflammation of
arthritis have currently been either withdrawn from the market and
are subject to class action lawsuits or are under scrutiny for their
side effects.
Vioxx,
Celebrex and
Bextra are all undergoing
one or more of the above problems.
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