An Overview of Symptoms and Treatment for Arthritis
A survey conducted by the U.S. National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came up with astonishing figures: one in three adults in the United States has arthritis. With such a high prevalence, information about the symptoms and treatment for arthritis is in high demand. If you take into consideration the fact that many people do not disclose their symptoms to their physicians, and we virtually have an epidemic on our hands.
There are more than 100 disorders that fall under the broad term arthritis and this is why the symptoms and treatments for arthritis may differ somewhat. However, the hallmarks of all types of arthritis are pain and inflammation -- in fact, the word arthritis itself is derived from those terms. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and both have joint pain and inflammation as symptoms. Osteoarthritis is usually the result of wear and tear on the joints, so it often appears during middle age. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease, which means that the something in the immune system malfunctioned, making it attack the joint lining and other healthy tissues. Other variations of arthritis include fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and scleroderma. Symptoms can vary, affecting either just the joints or many other body parts.
Treatment regimens can vary as well. To provide relief from pain and inflammation, one can take any of a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), many of which are available over the counter. Doctors can also prescribe COX inhibitors or even inject medication directly into the joints to relieve severe pain. Those whose joints and surrounding tissues have been severely damaged and who are experiencing intolerable pain may choose to undergo joint replacement surgery. Those who are suffering from more complicated forms of arthritis may be given prescriptions for drugs that are appropriate for the treatment of their particular symptoms.
More and more people are turning to alternative and complementary methods to seek relief from pain and inflammation. Many of these methods, such as acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy have their roots in ancient cultures and their beneficial effects are well documented. Today, studies have shown that there just may be a scientific basis for the use of these methods for therapeutic purposes, and that they are not just psychosomatic in nature.
People who suffer from joint pain -- whether intermittent or chronic -- should seek medical advice as soon as possible. If they are diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, it would be best for them to learn about the symptoms and treatment for arthritis in order for them to have an active role in the treatment regimen that's best for them.
