Arthritis Types And Treatments

For many, it is synonymous with old age and frailty. But arthritis can affect people as young as 30. To understand this complex condition, one must begin with its very name.

The term arthritis has Greek origins. “Arth” connotes joint, and “itis” means inflammation. Logically, arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints. Yet this can be a somewhat misleading term since not all cases involve inflammation. As Kate Lorig and James F. Fries put it in The Arthritis Helpbook, “a more accurate definition might be problems with the joint, or the ligaments, tendons, and muscles near the joint.”

Likewise, the joints are complicated structures and merit a bit of explanation. A joint is the point at which two bones meet and allow for movement. A joint consists of six parts: cartilage, synovial membrane, bursa, muscle, tendon and ligament. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bone. The synovial membrane lubricates the joint, while the bursa lubricates the movement of the muscles surrounding the joint. Muscles allow the bones to move. Tendons attach muscles to bones. Ligaments attach one bone to another bone.

Types of Arthritis

The three most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

With rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation occurs in the synovial membrane. The ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bone can all become damaged. Rheumatoid arthritis predominately affects the wrists, knees and knuckles.

Osteoarthritis involves cartilage degeneration and affects the spine, knees, hips and hands. Most people develop some stage of osteoarthritis as they age.

Fibromyalgia remains more of a mystery. Doctors know little about what occurs to a person affected by fibromyalgia. What is known is that the condition is commonly associated with prolonged muscle contraction and disturbed sleep. Significantly, fibromyalgia does not affect joints, but rather the muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Treatments

Since every person is different, a treatment plan for someone suffering from arthritis must be personalized. While this is true, certain techniques seem to help most patients. For example, doctors generally recommend maintaining an active lifestyle through moderate exercise and weight control. Activities like gardening, which exercises the joints through bending, is one option. Stretching is likewise vital for supple joints and overall wellness. Arthritis sufferers should also aim for a full-night's sleep and utilize relaxation techniques while awake.

For many, drugs provide an effective means for coping with arthritic pain. There are four main types of arthritis medication. First, there are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. Examples include Advil and Aleve, which reduce inflammation and pain. There are also disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) known to improve inflammatory arthritis as a whole. Third, there are corticosteroid hormone medications, which are responsible for reducing inflammation. Finally, there are analgesic medications, whose sole purpose is to relieve pain.

With the arthritis treatments currently available, the disease does not need to pose a threat to an active and fulfilling life.


Sources:
Bruce, Debra Fulghum and Harris H. McIlwain. Pain-Free Arthritis: a 7-Step Program for Feeling Better Again. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2003.
Fries, James F. and Kate Lorig. The Arthritis Helpbook. Cambridge: Da Capo Press, 2006.