Arthritis is a condition characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and a decrease in the range of motion of the joint. Symptoms are temporary or chronic, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may be the same for a long time, or may deteriorate over time. Severe arthritis can cause chronic pain and can render patients unable to do their daily activities. Arthritis may even cause physical changes in the joint (for example, knobbies in the finger joints).
Several types of arthritis can affect other parts of the body away from the joint, but most arthritis affects joints. The two most common types of arthritis are degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory arthritis (rheumatic).
Degenerative arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a form of degenerative arthritis that causes cartilage destruction in joints. Cartilage is a cushion at the end of the bone that we meet at the joint, and it will refine the treatment which causes pain, swelling, rigidity. In addition, difficulties arise as the bones of joints rub against each other. Over time, arthritis joints become stronger and can cause chronic pain. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include overweight, family history, old age and previous injuries to joints, or intraarticular and periarticular ligaments, tendons, and bones. Interestingly, according to the Academy of American Orthopedic Surgeons, the damage to the joints increases the chance of developing arthritis seven times.
Maintain a healthy weight and take a good rest, strengthen the muscles around the joint with regular physical activity, use thermal therapy, take analgesics and OTC medicines, help specialists You can manage the symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis by asking for your specific condition.
Inflammatory arthritis
Both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are forms of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that initially attacks the inner layer of the synovium or joint. The synovial membrane is lining the joints that are not yet backed by the cartilage.
The job of our immune system is to protect our bodies from infectious diseases and diseases. The way to remove infection and prevent disease is to cause internal inflammation. However, the immune system can sometimes be debilitated by attacking joints with uncontrolled inflammation, which can lead to erosion of the joints and even damage internal organs and other parts of the body like eyes There is sex. Genetics and environmental factors are thought to cause autoimmune responses. For example, smoking is an environmental risk factor that may induce rheumatoid arthritis in a person suffering from a gene.
For inflammatory type of arthritis, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage. The use of one or more medicinal products known as disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is often a treatment for this type of arthritis, the ultimate goal is relief of the disease.
The treatment of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis, but concentrates on alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, relieves pain and improves the quality of life. However, in case of severe symptoms that do not relieve pain or improve human quality of life with other treatments, joint replacement may be necessary.
Acupuncture and arthritis
Acupuncture and moxibustion has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat various medical conditions. The advantage of acupuncture over analgesics is that there are no serious side effects. There is scientific evidence to show how acupuncture and moxibility relieves pain. One way acupuncture brings pain relief is to stimulate the release of painful endorphins and enkephalins. In addition, inserting an acupuncture needle produces cortisol, a hormone that helps to control inflammation.
