|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
| FAQS on Arthritis Rheumatism |
|
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability n people over the ages of m55. There are many different forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis 9also known as degenerative joint disease) occurs following trauma to then joint, following an infection of the joint or simply as a result of ageing. Other forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. We often employ terms like arthritis and rheumatism as these are common joint disorders. We spoke to Dr. B. Rajasekar, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist, Apollo Hospitals Chennai and asked him to explain the basic facts about these disorders. What do the terms Arthritis and Rheumatism mean? People are often confused about the meaning of the two words - arthritis and rheumatism. Arthritis means disease of or damage to the joints. The term rheumatic disease is used to refer to all types of arthritis and rheumatism. What are the common types of arthritis? Arthritis actually is an umbrella term covering more than 100 different diseases. Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are the two most common conditions we come across. Osteoarthritis is a condition, in which the cartilage surface that lines the joints becomes damaged and eventually deteriorates, often affecting the hands, hips, knee and spine. Most people over 60 have some degree of osteoarthritis, although not all experience its most painful symptoms. Another common but very different type is Rheumatoid Arthritis, in which the immune system goes after healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation and damage to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, which afflicts about one crore people in India and affects the young and the old alike, is not merely a physical disability but also affects the person's life span. What are the different types of Rheumatic diseases? Rheumatic diseases fall into four main groups:
Do Rheumatic diseases affect any particular group people? Arthritis and rheumatism do not affect according to age, sex, race, class or country. It is a common worldwide problem. How do these disorders manifest in affected individuals? People with arthritis are often confronted with pain every day and nit limits their ability to lead a full and active life. It is one of the leading causes of disability in this country, but it is not, as many people think, an inevitable part of growing older. Research has offered a better understanding of arthritis and the effective ways to prevent it and its complications. The earlier a diagnosis can be made and the earlier therapy can be started, greater the chance of minimizing discomfort and minimizing the risk of disability. Who should be consulted first if one has joint pains? Rheumatologists specialize in medical aspects of arthritis and orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical aspects of arthritis. Ideally patients must first visit the rheumatologists as most rheumatic diseases do not require surgery. It is preferable to try medical interventions long before there is a need for surgery. Are there any risk factors for common musculoskeletal disorders? Activities in the home, at the office, in industry and agriculture and inn other areas almost inevitably bring with them the problem of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In most cases, there basic facts - inadequate education, poverty and lack of awareness - hinder attempts to deal with the MSD problem. Poor working conditions and non-enforcement of statutory norms are additional factors. There is a great deal of ignorance concerning MSD in most India industries. Unsuitable tools, bad work posture and improper work height or reach are the major causes of MSD. What is the treatment strategy? We now think of four different types of treatment strategy - 1. Prevention 2. Cure 3. Effective treatment or control of established disease 4. Containment or salvage. Treatment is getting better all the time. New drugs (like biologic therapy) and operations are safer and more effective than before and there is also greater recognition of what can be achieve through self-help and caring. The best of old is being combined with modern therapy to improve the lot of the person with rheumatic diseases - providing a more rounded, holistic approach to treatmen Is anything being done globally to such disabling but common problem? The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 2001-2010 as the decade of ‘Bone and Joint' diseases. There is not better time for the health professionals to work hard to crate awareness of arthritis among people and provide appropriate advice. What is the difference between a sprain and strain? A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Commonly injured ligaments are in the ankle, knee and waist. The ligaments can be injured by being stretched too far from their normal position. The purpose of having ligaments is to hold your skeleton together in a normal alignment - ligaments prevent abnormal movements. However, when too much force is applied to a ligament, such a in a fall, the ligaments can be stretched or torn; this injury is called a sprain. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles move your skeleton in an amazing variety of ways. When a muscle contracts it pulls on a tendon, which is in turn connected to your bone. Muscles are made to stretch, but if stretched too far, or if stretched while contracting, an injury called a strain may result. A strain can either be a stretching or tear of the muscle or tendon. |
|
| ©Apollo Hospitals, All rights reserved | Disclaimer | Sitemap | 
|