Arthritis is a common disease in the United States, affecting over 50 million adults, and is a leading cause of disability. The main symptoms of arthritis Dundalk are joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with age. Arthritis usually involves inflammation and degeneration of joints; the commonly affected areas are hands, hips, lower back, knees, and feet. There are several forms of arthritis, but the most common ones are:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis which occurs when the protective cartilage covering joints wears down with time. The cartilage has a crucial role in preventing friction between two bones. When the cartilage wears down, bones rub against each other upon movement; this causes the bones to wear down too, and the body responds by forming bone spurs. Bone spurs are tiny bone growths that can cause stiffness and may cause pain when they press on nerves along the spine. Although osteoarthritis affects any joints in the body, it mainly attacks the knees, hands, wrist, and spine. The affected joints may hurt as you move and may also become stiff. Other signs and symptoms include swelling, loss of flexibility, and a grating sensation when using the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease; it occurs when your body’s defense system attacks healthy cells in your body, causing painful swelling in the affected regions. The joints in your hands, wrists, and knees are the most commonly affected regions, but rheumatoid organs can affect other tissues within the body, causing problems in your lungs, eyes, and heart. When rheumatoid arthritis attacks a joint, it inflames the joint lining, causing joint tissue damage. If you have RA, you will have days when symptoms get worse (flares) and periods when you have no signs (remission). The specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but results from an abnormal immune response.
Gout
Gout is a common yet complex form of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness. These symptoms occur in one or several joints, especially the big toe. Gout attacks occur suddenly, often disrupting your sleep in the middle of the night with a burning sensation on your toe. These symptoms come and go, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and prevent flares. People with high levels of uric acid are more likely to develop gout.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects the lower back and causes some vertebral bones to fuse. As such, the spine becomes less flexible, and a person develops a hunched posture. A person may find it difficult to breathe if the ribs are affected. Signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, mainly in the morning after a long period of inactivity. You may also have neck pain and fatigue; these symptoms usually worsen over time. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but genetic factors seem to play a role. Ankylosing spondylitis has no cure, but treatments can alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression.
If you have arthritis signs and symptoms, book a session with your doctor at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center for treatment to improve your quality of life.
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