Arthritis 1-LEWAC

Arthritis – Part I
by Glen R. Smith, M.D., Ph.D. Internal Medicine/Endocrinology
Email: hwellness@aol.com
135 Grant Street, Buffalo, New York 14213, Telephone: 881-4300, Fax: 881-5300
Office hours Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5 PM

The root term “arthr” means joint. The ending “itis” mean inflammation . The word arthritis then means inflammation of the joint. Some people usually talk about arthritis as though it was a single disease. However, the term arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that can cause, stiffness, redness pain, swelling and limitation of joints and connective tissue throughout the body.

Once arthritis develops, it usually becomes chronic. Arthritis is a very prevalent disease, which affects over 70 million people in the United States and is surpassed only by heart disease as a cause of work disability. It accounts for over 70 million workdays of restricted activity.

Each year arthritis is responsible for 39 million doctor visits and more than half a million hospitalizations. It costs the economy almost $65 billion dollars a year.

Again there are over 100 different types of arthritis and arthritis related conditions. However, the most common types are: osteoarthritis, (degenerative joint disease); rheumatoid arthritis (damage to the lining that permits the adjoining bones to move painlessly against each other): and gouty arthritis (a form of arthritis that results in excruciating pain and is caused by the precipitation of needle-like crystals in the joint space).

Osteoarthritis is the most common. Osteoarthritis is caused by wearing away of the joint cartilage, the part of the joint that cushions the ends of bones. As cartilage wears away, the bones rub together and gradually become inflamed, lose its shape and alignment and cause pain and inflammation of the joint. Although any joint can be affected, osteoarthritis usually affects the weight bearing joints i.e. hips, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis can affect people of any age, however it becomes more common as we age. It usually begins after age 45 and can be detected by x-ray in most of us by the time we reach age 60.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: is the second most common type of arthritis. This type of arthritis occurs when the body’s own immune system attacks the synovial system (membranes that cover and insulate the joints and produce synovial fluid, a lubricating liquid that permits the adjoining bones to move painlessly against each other). Rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age; it is a chronic and progressive disease. It usually starts earlier than osteoarthritis and may affect children and juvenile. The most frequently affected joints are the hands, wrists, feet, knees, ankle, shoulders, neck, jaws and elbows. It usually affects symmetrical joints (that is, the same joint on both side of the body). It frequently presents as swelling, redness, pain and tenderness of the joint.

Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can affect the entire body and may cause weight loss, anemia, and fatigue and may also affect the eyes, lungs and heart. Arthritis can be a very serious disease that requires accurate diagnosis, so that the most effective treatment can be pursued. However, because of the many myths that surround this disease, affected individuals often do not seek early diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis affects people of all ages, and is not a normal part of the aging process although it becomes more common as we age. It is important to note that most of the joint damage associated with arthritis occurs within the first few years after the disease starts. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimizing the adverse affects of this disease.

In the next segment of “The Doctor Is In” I will discuss some of the myths and facts surrounding Arthritis. I will also discuss some of the effective methods of prevention, intervention and treatment. Remember, knowledge is power, wisdom is applying that knowledge. Take charge of your health. Be in partnership with your doctor. You are a major player on the health care team. Ask questions. Be well and be informed.