There is a general misconception that arthritis is an age-related medical condition that afflicts only the senior citizens or the elderly. It may be true with osteoarthritis, the most common type of joint disorder that usually affects adults of both sexes in their middle age. But what most people don’t understand is that there are other types or causes of arthritis.  

Arthritis, also known as joint inflammation, is defined as an inflammation of one or more joints and  involves the breakdown of cartilage resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Cartilage is responsible for protecting the joints and serves as a shock absorber when pressure is placed on the joint during walking or running. It allows for the smooth movement of our limbs. Without cartilage, the bones will rub together and can cause pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.  Doctors usually prescribe arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the pain.
Arthritis, or joint inflammation, can be due to the following causes:
·    Broken Bones;
·    Infections that are usually caused by bacteria or viruses;
·    An autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign); and
·    General “wear and tear” on joints.
Generally, as soon as the injury heals, the inflammation disappears. The infection is treated and the disease is cured. However, there are some injuries and diseases wherein the inflammation remains stubbornly and continuously causing pain that may lead to deformity. This condition is known as chronic arthritis.  
People suffering from arthritis experience the following symptoms:
·    Joint pain
·    Joint swelling
·    Stiffness, especially in the morning
·    Warmth around a joint
·    Redness of the skin around a joint
·    Reduced ability to move the joint
Arthritis is a condition that can occur in men and women of all ages.  Other types of arthritis include:
·    Rheumatoid arthritis (in adults)
·    Osteoarthritis ( middle age and above )
·    Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children)
·    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
·    Gout
·    Scleroderma
·    Psoriatic arthritis
·    Ankylosing spondylitis
·    Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis)
·    Adult Still’s disease
·    Viral arthritis
·    Gonococcal arthritis
·    Other bacterial infections (non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis)
·    Tertiary Lyme disease (the late stage)
·    Tuberculouus arthritis
·    Fungal infections such as blastomycosis
Osteoarthritis, being the most common type, is a chronic disease which causes the cartilage between the bone joints to deteriorate and may cause painful sensation and/or stiffness. New pieces of bones, called bone spurs, may grow around the joints as a result of osteoarthritis. Until now, there is no known reason yet as to the cause of osteoarthritis but it is generally being associated with aging. However, factors such as metabolism and genes can play a role in its development.
There are many factors to consider before your doctor can prescribe arthritis pain relief treatment plan such as the particular cause of arthritis, affected joints, severity of arthritis, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Age and occupation will also be taken into consideration.
Eliminating the underlying cause of the arthritis is one of the goals for treating arthritis. However, not all cause are curable like in the cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Relieving pain and  discomfort as well as prevention from further damage becomes the focus.
Lifestyle changes and exercise can greatly help in improving the condition of those suffering from arthritis.  Medications such as arthritis pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken in addition to exercise and lifestyle changes.

Read the rest of this entry

My mother was one of the strongest women that I ever met. She left home and began supporting herself at age 13. She began working in restaurants and worked as hard as any woman that ever lived. She had Rheumatoid and Osteo Arthritis beginning about age 14 and died this morning. She was pronounced terminal about four years ago and had Hospice called to care for her on three separate times. She scrubbed floors on her hands and knees when most people would not have been able to get out of bed. She was told to get off of her feet years before she actually did and eventually became bed-fast. Many people were blessed by knowing my mom. I had two brothers, two sisters, three children and many nieces and nephews among that number. She always loved children and would give anything to spend time with them. She taught me the meaning of love when I was growing up and I hope that I have shared those feelings with others in my life. PLEASE SHARE your story of a women or of women who have taught you lessons that needed to be learned.
Thank You,
Eds
——
I will not be online Friday evening or Saturday afternoon as a result of her viewing and funeral but I will return to read responses as I am able.
——
My Friends,
I would like to personally thank each one of you but that will not be possible for a few days. Please accept my “group thank you” and know that if I am able to do so, I will sit down and write a personal note some time after the funeral on Saturday. My dad, brother, sisters, aunt, nieces, nephews, and others who were there all needed a shoulder to lean and cry on. My shoulder was the wettest in the hospital. She had many of the hospital staff come to see her even after she died and expressed their condolences to us. This loss is a great one indeed.
Love,
Dale
——

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it seems like whenever I can get in to see the doctor, my knee just happens to feel better that day. So, it’s not as swollen as usual and other symptoms may not be as bad, and it’s hard to communicate to the doctor.
Are MRI’s and X-Rays effective for checking out joint problems associated with arthritis even when the symptoms aren’t present at the time?

I am 17, I have been living with RA for over more than 3 years. As the years passed the pain spread to all my joints. This last year the pain spread to my back and now I have been having horrible pain in my back, is there anyway I can be pain free? I have noticed if my sleeping patterns are changed, having a lot of stress, or if I am close to my period, I am having the most horrible pain in my life, but because of my back I have trouble sleeping anyway. Is there anyway I can stop this from happening? This pain is causing me to feel so depressed. What are some good stretches and exercises to help my core muscles? Please help!

Cortisol (M = 362.47 g/mol), one of the major steroid hormones, is a key factor in the synthesis of protein. Its profound effect on the reduction of inflammation explains its use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Cortisol is 69.6% C, 8.34% H, and 22.1% O by mass. What is its molecular formula?

Read the rest of this entry

I have had arthritis since i was two and now im 16. I have arthritis in every joint. My fingers are starting to bend inward and I dont want them to be like that for the rest of my life. I just started an IV treatment called Orenica(also if you know anything about that?)

additional pain medication such as percocet

About 3 years ago I starting having strange symptoms in my legs, circulation. I first noticed it when I was driving an hour one way to work and the my legs would ache so bad…Almost to the point where I couldnt drive. I bought a new car b/c I thought the car and the way it “sat” was causing circulation problems? Over time It just got worse. Finally, I broke down and went to the dr. They ran tests, one being for rheumatoid arthritis. They all came back negative.

I have tried to exercise to try and help the circulation, but the pain is so severe the next day that I dont want to. I go through ibuprophen like candy. I cant even think about wearing heels, not even for an hour b/c my legs will hurt all the way to my hips. Even different flats makes them hurt in different ways. Its really strange. I am only 35 years old, 130lbs. I do eat bananas and take daily vitamins.

Read the rest of this entry

I have rheumatoid arthritis and would like to know if anyone tried the Dr. Ray Lala remedy from
resolvearthritis.com.Since the price is high,before I buy it I would like to hear if it works.

I have had sores on my foot for over two years .I go to wound care weekly they just change dressings and do not get into the root of what is causing them.I know they are attributed to my Rheumatoid Arthritis .I am very sad ,46 years old and my quality of life has deteriated PLEASE HELP ME!