CCP (Rheumatoid Arthritis)Rheumatoid arthritis results in swelling and redness of the tissue in the region of the joints, and additional organs of the body.
Autoimmune diseases result when the body tissues are misguidedly attacked by its own immune system. The analysis and assessment depends on the symptoms, the blood and x-ray findings and the degree of inflammation. It begins between the ages of 30 and 50 and is more common in women and smokers.
The objective of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is to maximize joint function, reduce swelling and pain and prevent joint distortion.
Optimal treatment for the disease involves a combination of medications, rest, joint strengthening exercises, joint protection, and patient (and family) education. Two category of medicines are used in treatment namely, fast-acting "first-line drugs" (to reduce pain and swelling) and slow-acting "second-line drugs (to prevent destruction and remission).
When arthritis occurs between the ages of 6 months and 16 years, it is referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).
Symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Typical symptoms include joint pain or swelling and reddened or warm joints.
Diagnostic tests include RA factor, ESR, bone scan, anti nuclear antibody, CBC, blood culture and bone marrow examination. JRA may be treated with a combination of medication (corticosteroids might also help) physical therapy, and exercise.
Types of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are three different types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) that can affect kids. Pauciarticular JRA occurs when four or fewer joints are affected.
Large joints such as knee or ankle are mostly affected in this type. Polyarticular JRA affects five or more large joints involving wrists, knees, elbows, and ankles. Polyarticular JRA is a condition, wherein the same joints on both sides of the body are involved. Systemic JRA affects many parts of the body and the vital organs, rather than just a few specific places.
Bed rest is not advised as a treatment of JRA. The more active the child, the better the health condition.
Swimming and water aerobics are recommended for arthritic patients, as these prove as ultimate activities with no or less strain on the joints. A program with attention to exercises, pain reduction, and home exercises, ensures a child with JRA to remain active.
Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease is the most widespread type of arthritis in the obese and elderly. It affects the cartilage, the hard but slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones.
The cartilage wears away partially and in course of time, completely, resulting in erosion of bones causing soreness, distension, and reduction in joint mobility. In course of time, the joint loses its normal shape. Hormonal imbalance, stress, diabetes and obesity are associated with cartilage wear.
Arthritis is a lifelong complication. Proper care and treatment gives the utmost benefit of long-term relief.
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