ARTHRITIS
"Anthros" in Greek means "joint" and "itis" means inflammation.
Arthritis should therefore mean "joint inflammation." As many as
36 million people in the United States have some form of arthritis
or joint inflammation. It is a major cause of lost work time and
serious disability for many people.
There are two types of arthritis:
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis. It is seen in many people
as they get older, although it may begin when they are younger as
a result of injury or overuse. It is often more painful in weightbearing
joints such as the knee, hip, and spine than in the wrist, elbow
and shoulder joints. Joints may be more affected if they are used
extensively in work or sports, or if they have been damaged from
fractures or other injuries. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering
the bone ends gradually wears away. This is what we call wear and
tear arthritis. The joint inflammation causes pain and swelling.
Continued use of the joint produces pain. Some relief may be possible
through rest and modified activity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that can affect many
parts of the body, including the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis,
the joint lining swells, invading surrounding tissues, and producing
chemical substances that attack and destroy the joint surface. This
commonly occurs in joints of the hands and feet. Larger joints such
as hips, knees and elbows also may be involved. Swelling, pain,
and stiffness are usually present even when the joint is not used.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages. However, more
than 70 percent of people with this disease are over 30 years of
age.
