Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis includes more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Other common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout (gouty arthritis). Common symptoms include pain, causalgia, stiffness swelling in or around joints. Some types of arthritis such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Who gets affected by arthritis?

Although arthritis is most common in adults over 65,  people of all ages (and children) may be affected. Close to two thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65. Arthritis is more common in women of all age groups and affects all ethnic and racial groups.

Why Arthritis is a Public Health Problem?

High Frequency. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 adults suffers from some different arthritis severity and 1 child in 250. Particular  knee arthritis increases the frequency depending on the weight. The frequency continuously increases.

 Frequent impotence. It is the most frequent cause of disability in adults and a frequent cause of absence from work.

 High risk during life. A recent study suggests that the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee during the life is 45% and 57% f rises to them once the injured knee joint.

 Dangerous side effects. Arthritis prevents people to be active and not exercising is a risk factor for many diseases of degenerative nature, which leads to dangerous consequences.

Risk factors

– Age (growing capacity is self-healing of cartilage)

– Nutrition (calcium need, vitamins C, D)

– Obesity (increases the weight on the joints)

– Hereditary bone disorders (malformations, Charcot, Ehlers-Danlos)

– Occupation (Manual Handling)

Symptoms

It can affect any joint. Symptoms range from mild to very serious disability.

– Severe pain

– Morning stiffness short

– Sensitivity

– Reduced joint motion range

– Crepitation (click noise) and instability

The assessment is done by:

– The level of pain

– Functionality in joint

– The comparison of old and new radiographs

 Treatment

Non-pharmacological:

– Weight Loss

– Exercise

– Education

– Physiotherapy

Pharmacological:

– Local (creams), systemic or intra-articular administration

– NSAIDs [NSAIDs]

– Coxibs (COX-2 inhibitors)

– Glucosamine Sulfate

– Hyaluronic acid

 Surgical:

– arthroscopy

– arthroplasty

 

*** attention to the chronic administration of medicines: risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular complications.