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Health and Products Info
Arthritis is a term that refers to “joint inflammation”. It is a disease that often causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling in or around joints that can make it hard to do the movement of every day activities. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, affecting people from the very young to the elderly. The two most common, and most recognized, forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is the most common form of arthritis. It begins with the breakdown of cartilage in joints, resulting in joint pain and stiffness. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the end of bones. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement that can limit functioning. OA most often affects the spine, finger joints and weight-bearing joints including the knees hips.
RA is the second most common form of arthritis. Like OA, it affects joints, causing pain and stiffness. RA, however, causes inflammation of lining joints and this inflammation differentiates it from OA. Inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, results in pain and stiffness as well as swelling, warmth and redness. The inflammation is believed to be triggered by the immune system that does not recognize the body tissue and “attacks” it, bringing on joint damage. Ra generally occurs in a “symmetrical” pattern. This means that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is also. The disease often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the wrist. RA can also affect other parts of body aside from the joints. Non-joint symptoms can include: loss of the appetite, fever, loss of energy, anemia, and a general sense of not feeling well.
The risk factors for OA and RA are:
Gender and Age: In general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men. The risk of developing arthritis also appears to increase with age. After age 45, OA is more common in women. RA also occurs more frequently in women than in men. About two to three times as many women as men have RA.
Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of getting OA, particularly for women. Increases weight can put stress on joints, especially the knees and hips. Patient with a body mass index (or BMI) greater than 30 are advised to lose weight to reduce the risk of OA and potentially improve symptoms.
Injury/Trauma: Repeated overuse or repetitive injury from activities like sports or work can contribute to the development of OA. Physics trauma from an accident can also increase the risk of OA.
Family History: Some family may pass along the tendency to develop RA. The gene that influences the tendency for RA is more common in the families of people who have RA. Genetic factors are also important in the development of OA.
OA and RA are chronic diseases. Currently, there is no cure known for either condition. However, a lot of can be done to manage these conditions. A good treatment plan, involving medications, exercise, lifestyle changes, occupational and physical therapy and education can help manage joint pain and stiffness, improve joint movement, and increase the ability to do everyday activities. Living with arthritis can mean living an active and full life.
Medications for OA and RA: The medications for them are generally used to improve the symptoms of the disease, providing relief from pain and inflammation. Many medicines are available for relief of the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
Alternative Treatments for Arthritis
The AMA, NIH, FDA, and other research organizations have been
evaluating alternative therapies for arthritis.
Here is the current status.
- Acupuncture.
NIH says that acupuncture may be a reasonable pain management option for osteoarthritis,
but the American College of Rheumatology says it works no better than a placebo.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Preliminary evidence shows that these substances, found
naturally in cartilage, may alleviate pain. Some studies suggest that they’re
capable of maintaining existing cartilage and stimulating growth of new
cartilage. But long-term studies are needed to determine safety and
effectiveness.
- Vitamins and other nutritional supplements.
Omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E may
give modest, temporary relief from arthritis symptoms. But again, long-term
studies are needed to prove safety and effectiveness.
- Other alternative arthritis treatments,such
as copper bracelets, magnets, bee and snake venom, and aromatherapy, have not
been subjected to scientific study, and their risks and benefits are unknown.
Too Much Vitamin A Increases Risk of Osteoporosis
The National Academy of Science’s Institute of Medicine (IOM) has reduced its recommended daily
allowance of vitamin A by about 10 percent, and cautions that eating a diet high in A and popping
supplements with lots of A may increase the risk of osteoporosis. IOM recommends that women get only
2,300 I.U. daily, and men only 2,970. Many multivitamins include 5,000 or even 10,000 I.U.
of A, although the amount delivered as beta carotene doesn’t count toward the recommended limit on A.
Also, many cereals and dairy products are fortified with A, and meat (especially beef liver), fish, and eggs
contain significant amounts of A.
Arthritis and Joint Support Products
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