CHAPTERS

Chapter 1: Arthritis in Focus

Medical science and experts of the disease have identified about two hundred forms of rheumatic conditions and diseases which affect the joints of an individual suffering from arthritis. The alarming bit about arthritis is that it can affect not only the joints of a patient; it can also involve the various internal organs of an individual and impair the immune system of the body. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United states have determined a staggering 54.4 million adults who have been diagnosed with the debilitating condition that is reason for the immobilization of a big chunk of the population the country. Although arthritis is believed to be more apparent and widespread in individuals over 65 years old, children and young people are not spared of the disease. It can affect anyone, young or old.

The symptoms of arthritis not only has the patient experiencing pain it can also literally stop one in their tracks and immobilize them because of the pain that comes along with the disease, resulting in the deterioration of their quality of life. Many people who suffer through the physical pain of the symptoms of arthritis also go through mental turmoil, because of the effects of the pain that not only limits but inhibits their daily activities and preventing them from earning a living, contributing positively to society, or exploring new avenues they would have otherwise been able to enjoy.

The factors that contribute to the development of arthritis can stem from the abnormal metabolism of an individual; therefore proper diagnosis is crucial to discovering the origins of the disease in order for treatment to zero in on the intended target. It can also come from a host of infections and from the dysfunction of a person’s immune system. Arthritis can also detected back to the genetic makeup of a person making an individual whose family has history of the disease, more prone to the condition that lowers the quality of life of the individual.

A patient suffering from swollen joints and joint pains will need to get the expertise of a specialist in order to determine the origins of the symptoms so as to get the proper treatment that would target the cause and reason of the disease. Treatment aims to control the pain a patient suffers and there are, thankfully, a number of avenues a patient can take in terms of pain management. With proper diagnosis and the right treatment administered, the chances of a patient suffering from arthritis can greatly improve their quality of life and curb further deterioration. The possible treatments available to a patient (depending on the diagnosis of the arthritis) range from the administering of medications to non-pharmacological therapies.

Treatment of a patient with arthritis can include physical or occupational therapy, which encourages rehabilitation of the patient through the carrying out of specific activities needed in their daily life.

In some cases, patients are recommended to go on supervised, specific exercise regimens that would serve as an initial step to recovery and wellness. But in some cases, arthritis patients who exhibit more severe forms of the disease may be advised to use assistive tools and aids that allow them for better mobility. Splints, canes, walkers, and braces, are just some of the tools some patients are advised to use alongside pharmacological medication. Surgery is the ultimate recommendation for arthritis patients whose disease is far too serious and grave for medication and therapy to combat. Let’s delve a little deeper and get to know more about what can be done to arrest arthritis before it gets any worse.

Risk Factors of Arthritis

It is difficult to pinpoint the factors that cause arthritis just by looking at an affected area alone. Most times, especially during the onset of the disease, there are no telltale signs that would give indication of the disease.

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