Arthritis

Arthritis is the main cause of disability among people over fifty-five
years of age in industrialized countries.

What is the cause?

In order to better understand what is going on when a person suffers from some form of arthritis, let us look at how a joint works. If you have arthritis something goes wrong with the joint(s). What goes wrong depends on what type of arthritis you have. It could be that the cartilage is wearing away, a lack of fluid, autoimmunity (your body attacking itself), infection, or a combination of many factors. Whatever the type or cause, arthritis is usually painful and it can be frustrating trying to find relief. Even more frustrating can be the decrease in mobility due to arthritis. In this case, people can use modes of transport to get around instead of being pent up inside. Many people with arthritis will use a mobility scooter to get around efficiently. However, when purchasing a mobility scooter you have to be aware of the type of battery you’ll also need for a vehicle.

Different Types

There are over 100 types of this condition. Here is a description of some common ones, together with the causes:

• Osteoarthritis – cartilage loses its elasticity. If the cartilage is stiff it becomes damaged more easily. The cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber, will gradually wear away in some areas. As the cartilage becomes damaged tendons and ligaments become stretched, causing pain. Eventually, the bones may rub against each other causing very severe pain. 
  
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis – this is an inflammatory form of arthritis. The synovial membrane (synovium) is attacked, resulting in swelling and pain. If left untreated arthritis can lead to deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is significantly more common in women than men and generally strikes when the patient is aged between 40 and 60. However, children and much older people may also be affected.
  
  
• Infectious arthritis (septic arthritic) – an infection in the synovial fluid and tissues of a joint. It is usually caused by bacteria, but could also be caused by fungi or viruses. Bacteria, fungi, or viruses may spread through the bloodstream from infected tissue nearby and infect a joint. Most susceptible people are those who already have some form of arthritis and develop an infection that travels in the bloodstream.
  
  
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) – means arthritis that affects a person aged 16 or less. JRA can be various forms of arthritis; it basically means that a child has it

Rock Creek Spine & Rehabilitation Center’s 21st Century approach has received amazing pain management results!