Coping with Arthritis

Arthritis is a common health condition that is characterized by inflammation of several joints. Many scientists today believe that there are as many as 100 different types of arthritis in existence. While osteoarthritis has been found to be the most common type of this condition, rheumatoid, psoriatic, and autoimmune forms of the disorder have recently increased in prevalence. Like many other health conditions, arthritis is believed to be quite an old condition—in fact, some evidence suggests that individuals living as long as 4500 years ago suffered from this affliction. To ensure optimal results when it comes to the management of arthritis, individuals suffering from the condition must be aware of signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

While the signs and symptoms of the different types of arthritis are numerous, all varieties have been found to cause joint stiffness, swelling, and on-going pain. In addition to these basic inflictions, individuals who suffer from arthritis may also experience muscle weakness, malaise, fever, or weight loss. In many cases, these symptoms start gradually and increase in intensity as the severity of the case progresses. Individuals who suffer from arthritis can generally expect the best prognosis when signs and symptoms are identified and treated immediately.

Diagnosis

In most cases, an accurate diagnosis of arthritis can only be made by a qualified health professional. Individuals who believe that they may be suffering from arthritis are often encouraged to undergo a variety of exams, including radiology and blood tests, to pinpoint a specific condition. In addition, participating in a physical assessment and providing accurate information as to the onset, duration, and severity of symptoms can be an effective way to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Individuals who are concerned about the precision of the diagnosis that they have received may want to consider obtaining a second opinion.

Disability

For many individuals, arthritis is a severe disability. In fact, some experts suggest that there are as many as 20 million people around the world living with arthritis today. A diagnosis of arthritis not only requires frequent visits to the doctor but also can result in severe physical limitations and can cause some individuals to become homebound. As with other chronic health conditions, the cost of managing arthritis can be quite expensive, with some estimates suggesting a total cost of close to $100 billion—from which 50% comes from lost earnings.

While arthritis is serious enough on its own, it can also lead to the development of a number of other chronic health conditions. Obesity, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease are common among individuals who suffer from this condition. It is of no surprise, then, that individuals who have arthritis are expected to have as many as 1 million hospitalizations and 45 outpatient visits each year to manage their condition. Psychological disorders are also quite common in individuals with arthritis—in fact, people diagnosed with this condition are at an increased risk for the development of depression.

Treatment

While there is currently no cure for arthritis, specific treatments have been identified as being effective in the management of the condition. Specifically, physical therapy, orthopedic braces, and medications have been proven especially effective in the control of arthritis. In addition, participating in a healthy lifestyle that involves regular physical activity and a healthy diet can also provide beneficial results. Individuals who attempt these techniques and do not experience beneficial results may want to consider joint replacement. As this is generally considered to be an irreversible step in the management of arthritis, it should not be recommended or considered until other, less invasive forms of therapy have been attempted.

Arthritis is a serious condition that requires on-going care and treatment. While arthritis is sometimes thought of as a debilitating disorder, it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Rapid identification, diagnosis, and treatment, however, are essential for optimal results when it comes to the management of this condition. Individuals who believe that they may be suffering from arthritis should seek guidance from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible to avoid on-going pain or dysfunction.

 

 

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