There are two common types of Arthritis; Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
South Africans with arthritis can wait years for a proper diagnosis of their condition. For poorer South Africans, the inflammation of joints often results in disability before it is properly treated.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, globally, affects roughly 1 in 100 adults. With the right awareness, you will be in a better position get treatment before it is too late. The difference between the two types of arthritis is the cause behind the painful joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints, whereas Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects millions of people and occurs when the cartilage at the ends of your bones wears down. Although it can damage any joint in your body it is most commonly found in the joints of your hands, knees, hips and spine. The symptoms are usually easily managed but the process cannot be reversed. Maintaining a healthy weight and having regular exercise, such as walking, swimming or stationary bike riding can slow done the progress and reduce pain while improving movement.
Exercise that puts stress on the weight-bearing joints should be avoided.
The Known Risk Factors
We are more at risk of developing osteoarthritis the older we get. Women are more likely to develop it than men. Carrying extra weight puts added stress on our weight bearing joints (hips, knees), therefore adding more risk to developing osteoarthritis. Joint injuries from accidents or sports, even those that have healed, may increase the risk for those joints. Genetics plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis while people who are born with malformed joints are also at risk.
Diagnosing Osteoarthritis
How Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed:
1. X-rays 2. MRI Scan 3. Joint aspiration
Treatment
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are various treatment options. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are available either over the counter or by prescription. Corticosteroids are also helpful and available by prescription. Hyaluronic acid, as well as Glucosamine-chondroitin, are used not for pain relief, but to actually act on the diseased joint. Evening primrose oil and omega 3 fatty acid supplements may also help improve mobility. Food rich in antioxidants may help reduce tissue damage from inflammation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
During the early stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis one may experience general weakness, dry mouth or dry itchy eyes, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite or weight or hard bumps of tissue under the skin of your arms.
Risk Factors
Rheumatoid arthritis is more likely to affect woman between the ages of 40-60 years of age. People with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, people who smoke or men with a low testosterone level are at a higher risk of developing it.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis can be diagnosed:
1. Blood Test 2. X-rays 3. MRI Scan
Treatment
There is no cure for rheumatoid Arthritis, but the symptoms can be managed. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are available to manage the pain and reduce the swelling. Corticosteroids help alleviate pain and inflammation. These are available on prescription.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may slow down the process and prevent permanent damage to the joints and tissues. Because rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, taking immunosuppressants will help reduce the damage to good tissue. Folic Acid, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acid will all aid in the mobility of people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
