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Revision as of 18:50, 22 March 2007
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is arthritis?
'''1. What is arthritis?'''
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, but it is often used to identify a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases that may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and in areas close to the joints. Joints are places in the body where two bones meet.
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, but it is often used to identify a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases that may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and in areas close to the joints. Joints are places in the body where two bones meet.
Arthritis is often a chronic disease, which means that it can affect you over a long period of time. Many forms of arthritis cause swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
Arthritis is often a chronic disease, which means that it can affect you over a long period of time. Many forms of arthritis cause swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
2. How many people have arthritis?
'''2. How many people have arthritis?'''
More than 40 million people in the United States have some form of arthritis, and many have chronic pain that limits daily activity. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 20 million people.
More than 40 million people in the United States have some form of arthritis, and many have chronic pain that limits daily activity. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 20 million people.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most disabling form of arthritis. More than 2 million people have this disease. Gout occurs in approximately 840 out of every 100,000 people. It is rare in children and young adults.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most disabling form of arthritis. More than 2 million people have this disease. Gout occurs in approximately 840 out of every 100,000 people. It is rare in children and young adults.
3. What is osteoarthritis?
'''3. What is osteoarthritis?'''
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older people. It affects hands, low back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older people. It affects hands, low back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet.
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away. This causes bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away. This causes bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.
4. How common is osteoarthritis in older adults?
'''4. How common is osteoarthritis in older adults?'''
The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. By age 65, half of the population has x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint, most often in the hips, knees, or fingers.
The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. By age 65, half of the population has x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint, most often in the hips, knees, or fingers.
5. Does having osteoarthritis impact activities of daily living?
'''5. Does having osteoarthritis impact activities of daily living?'''
Yes. Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among older adults. Many people with osteoarthritis find their movements or activities limited to some degree because of stiffness, limited range of motion, and pain.
Yes. Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among older adults. Many people with osteoarthritis find their movements or activities limited to some degree because of stiffness, limited range of motion, and pain.
6. What causes osteoarthritis?
'''6. What causes osteoarthritis?'''
Osteoarthritis often results from years of wear and tear on joints. This wear and tear mostly affects the cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage begins to fray, wear away, and decay.
Osteoarthritis often results from years of wear and tear on joints. This wear and tear mostly affects the cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage begins to fray, wear away, and decay.
Putting too much stress on a joint that has been repeatedly injured may lead to the development of osteoarthritis, too. A person who is overweight is more likely to develop osteoarthritis because of too much stress on the joints. Also, improper joint alignment may lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
Putting too much stress on a joint that has been repeatedly injured may lead to the development of osteoarthritis, too. A person who is overweight is more likely to develop osteoarthritis because of too much stress on the joints. Also, improper joint alignment may lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
7. How can I reduce my chances of developing osteoarthritis?
'''7. How can I reduce my chances of developing osteoarthritis?'''
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding injury, and engaging in moderate daily physical activity are all ways to decrease your chances of developing osteoarthritis.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding injury, and engaging in moderate daily physical activity are all ways to decrease your chances of developing osteoarthritis.
8. What are some common symptoms of osteoarthritis?
'''8. What are some common symptoms of osteoarthritis?'''
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, swelling, or tenderness; stiffness after getting out of bed; and a crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone. Not everyone with osteoarthritis develops symptoms. In fact, only a third of people with x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis report pain or other symptoms.
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, swelling, or tenderness; stiffness after getting out of bed; and a crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone. Not everyone with osteoarthritis develops symptoms. In fact, only a third of people with x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis report pain or other symptoms.
9. How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
'''9. How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?'''
No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis. When a person feels pain in his or her joints, it may or may not be osteoarthritis.
No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis. When a person feels pain in his or her joints, it may or may not be osteoarthritis.
The doctor will use a combination of tests to try to determine if osteoarthritis is causing the symptoms. These may include a medical history, a physical examination, x-rays, and laboratory tests. A patient's attitudes, daily activities, and levels of anxiety or depression have a lot to do with how much the symptoms of osteoarthritis affect day-to-day living.
The doctor will use a combination of tests to try to determine if osteoarthritis is causing the symptoms. These may include a medical history, a physical examination, x-rays, and laboratory tests. A patient's attitudes, daily activities, and levels of anxiety or depression have a lot to do with how much the symptoms of osteoarthritis affect day-to-day living.
10. Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?
'''10. Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?'''
There is no cure for osteoarthritis and no way to reverse the joint damage once it occurs. However, current treatments can relieve symptoms.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis and no way to reverse the joint damage once it occurs. However, current treatments can relieve symptoms.
Warm towels, hot packs, or a warm bath or shower can provide temporary pain relief. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, help reduce pain and inflammation that result from osteoarthritis.
Warm towels, hot packs, or a warm bath or shower can provide temporary pain relief. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, help reduce pain and inflammation that result from osteoarthritis.
11. Can glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis?
'''11. Can glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis?'''
For some people, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Scientific studies have shown that these supplements may have some benefit for people with osteoarthritis. However, the effectiveness of these supplements is still under investigation.
For some people, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Scientific studies have shown that these supplements may have some benefit for people with osteoarthritis. However, the effectiveness of these supplements is still under investigation.
The NIH is currently funding the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, to test whether or not glucosamine and/or chondroitin have a beneficial effect for people with knee osteoarthritis. The results of the recently completed first phase of the study indicate that these supplements have a limited effectiveness for most patients with osteoarthritis.
The NIH is currently funding the Glucosamine and Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, to test whether or not glucosamine and/or chondroitin have a beneficial effect for people with knee osteoarthritis. The results of the recently completed first phase of the study indicate that these supplements have a limited effectiveness for most patients with osteoarthritis.
12. What is rheumatoid arthritis?
'''12. What is rheumatoid arthritis?'''
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It can cause mild to severe symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It can cause mild to severe symptoms.
The disease generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. If one knee or hand is involved, usually the other one is, too. It can occur at any age, but often begins between ages 40 and 60. About two to three times as many women as men have rheumatoid arthritis.
The disease generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. If one knee or hand is involved, usually the other one is, too. It can occur at any age, but often begins between ages 40 and 60. About two to three times as many women as men have rheumatoid arthritis.
13. What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
'''13. What causes rheumatoid arthritis?'''
Scientists believe that rheumatoid arthritis results from the interaction of many factors such as genetics, hormones, and the environment. Although rheumatoid arthritis sometimes runs in families, the actual cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown.
Scientists believe that rheumatoid arthritis results from the interaction of many factors such as genetics, hormones, and the environment. Although rheumatoid arthritis sometimes runs in families, the actual cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown.
It is important to note that rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious. A person cannot catch it from someone else.
It is important to note that rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious. A person cannot catch it from someone else.
14. What are some common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
'''14. What are some common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?'''
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joint lining. This inflammation causes warmth, redness, swelling, and pain around the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joint lining. This inflammation causes warmth, redness, swelling, and pain around the joints.
The pain of rheumatoid arthritis varies greatly from person to person, for reasons that doctors do not yet understand completely. Factors that contribute to the pain include swelling within the joint, the amount of heat or redness present, or damage that has occurred within the joint.
The pain of rheumatoid arthritis varies greatly from person to person, for reasons that doctors do not yet understand completely. Factors that contribute to the pain include swelling within the joint, the amount of heat or redness present, or damage that has occurred within the joint.
15. How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
'''15. How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?'''
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the full range of symptoms develops over time, and only a few symptoms may be present in the early stages.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the full range of symptoms develops over time, and only a few symptoms may be present in the early stages.
X-rays are often used to determine the degree of joint destruction. They are not useful in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis before bone damage is evident, but they can be used later to monitor the progression of the disease.
X-rays are often used to determine the degree of joint destruction. They are not useful in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis before bone damage is evident, but they can be used later to monitor the progression of the disease.
16. How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
'''16. How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?'''
Medication, exercise, and, in some cases, surgery are common treatments for this disease. Most people who have rheumatoid arthritis take medications. Some drugs only provide relief for pain; others reduce inflammation.
Medication, exercise, and, in some cases, surgery are common treatments for this disease. Most people who have rheumatoid arthritis take medications. Some drugs only provide relief for pain; others reduce inflammation.
In some cases, a doctor will recommend surgery to restore function or relieve pain in a damaged joint. Several types of surgery are available to patients with severe joint damage. Joint replacement and tendon reconstruction are examples.
In some cases, a doctor will recommend surgery to restore function or relieve pain in a damaged joint. Several types of surgery are available to patients with severe joint damage. Joint replacement and tendon reconstruction are examples.
17. What are some non-drug therapies that can help people with rheumatoid arthritis?
'''17. What are some non-drug therapies that can help people with rheumatoid arthritis?'''
Both rest and exercise can help people with rheumatoid arthritis. Rest helps reduce active joint inflammation and pain and fights tiredness. Exercise can help people sleep well, reduce pain, and maintain a positive attitude. An overall nutritious diet with the right amount of calories, protein, and calcium is important.
Both rest and exercise can help people with rheumatoid arthritis. Rest helps reduce active joint inflammation and pain and fights tiredness. Exercise can help people sleep well, reduce pain, and maintain a positive attitude. An overall nutritious diet with the right amount of calories, protein, and calcium is important.
Some people find that using a splint for a short time around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling by supporting the joint and letting it rest. Assistive devices may help reduce stress and lessen pain in the joints. Examples include zipper pullers and aids to help with moving in and out of chairs and beds.
Some people find that using a splint for a short time around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling by supporting the joint and letting it rest. Assistive devices may help reduce stress and lessen pain in the joints. Examples include zipper pullers and aids to help with moving in and out of chairs and beds.
18. What kind of surgery is available for people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis?
'''18. What kind of surgery is available for people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis?'''
Several types of surgery, including joint replacement and tendon reconstruction, are available to people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A doctor may perform surgery to smooth out, fuse, or reposition bones, or to replace joints.
Several types of surgery, including joint replacement and tendon reconstruction, are available to people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A doctor may perform surgery to smooth out, fuse, or reposition bones, or to replace joints.
Today, most surgery for osteoarthritis involves replacing the hip or knee joint. Surgeons may replace affected joints with artificial ones called prostheses.
Today, most surgery for osteoarthritis involves replacing the hip or knee joint. Surgeons may replace affected joints with artificial ones called prostheses.
19. What is gout?
'''19. What is gout?'''
Gout is one of the most painful rheumatic diseases. It occurs when needle-like crystals of uric acid build up in connective tissue, in the joint space between two bones, or in both.
Gout is one of the most painful rheumatic diseases. It occurs when needle-like crystals of uric acid build up in connective tissue, in the joint space between two bones, or in both.
Sometime during the course of the disease, gout will affect the big toe in about 75 percent of patients. Gout frequently affects joints in the lower part of the body such as knee, ankles, or toes.
Sometime during the course of the disease, gout will affect the big toe in about 75 percent of patients. Gout frequently affects joints in the lower part of the body such as knee, ankles, or toes.
20. What causes gout?
'''20. What causes gout?'''
Researchers have discovered several key risk factors for developing gout. In addition to inherited traits, diet, weight, and alcohol play a role in the development of gout. Up to 8 percent of people with gout have a family history of the disease.
Researchers have discovered several key risk factors for developing gout. In addition to inherited traits, diet, weight, and alcohol play a role in the development of gout. Up to 8 percent of people with gout have a family history of the disease.
Most people with gout have too much uric acid in their blood, a condition called hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a substance that results from the breakdown of purines, which are part of all human tissue and are found in many foods. Hyperuricemia occurs when high levels of uric acid build up in the bloodstream.
Most people with gout have too much uric acid in their blood, a condition called hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a substance that results from the breakdown of purines, which are part of all human tissue and are found in many foods. Hyperuricemia occurs when high levels of uric acid build up in the bloodstream.
21. What are some common symptoms of gout?
'''21. What are some common symptoms of gout?'''
Gout frequently first attacks the joints in the big toe. The affected joint may become swollen, red, or warm. Attacks usually occur at night.
Gout frequently first attacks the joints in the big toe. The affected joint may become swollen, red, or warm. Attacks usually occur at night.
22. How is gout diagnosed?
'''22. How is gout diagnosed?'''
To confirm a diagnosis of gout, the doctor inserts a needle into the inflamed joint and draws a sample of synovial fluid, the substance that lubricates a joint. A laboratory technician places some of the fluid on a slide and looks for uric acid crystals under a microscope. If uric acid crystals are found in the fluid surrounding the joint, the person usually has gout.
To confirm a diagnosis of gout, the doctor inserts a needle into the inflamed joint and draws a sample of synovial fluid, the substance that lubricates a joint. A laboratory technician places some of the fluid on a slide and looks for uric acid crystals under a microscope. If uric acid crystals are found in the fluid surrounding the joint, the person usually has gout.
23. What are the most common treatments for an acute attack of gout?
'''23. What are the most common treatments for an acute attack of gout?'''
Physicians often prescribe high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, or steroids for a sudden attack of gout. NSAIDs are taken by mouth and corticosteroids are either taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint. Patients often begin to improve within a few hours of treatment, and the attack usually goes away completely within a week or so.
Physicians often prescribe high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, or steroids for a sudden attack of gout. NSAIDs are taken by mouth and corticosteroids are either taken by mouth or injected into the affected joint. Patients often begin to improve within a few hours of treatment, and the attack usually goes away completely within a week or so.
