Almost everyone has joint pain at some point in their lives. Banging a knee on a desk, running for long distances, or heavy lifting can cause aches and pains in the joints and surrounding tissues. With this sort of pain, fully resting the joint for several days should alleviate the pain. If the joint pain continues, there may be an underlying problem that should be diagnosed and treated appropriately. In some cases, there may be ligament or tendon strains and tears that are causing the feeling of pain in the joint. In other cases, different forms of arthritis may be present. The information below provides an overview of arthritis so you may be able to detect it in your patients.
Different Forms of Arthritis
It is important to know the difference between the two major forms of arthritis in order to recognize their symptoms. Here are the two different forms of arthritis your patients may have:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, most often developing as we age. It is classified as a degenerative disease, meaning that we may suffer loss of bone calcium, loss of the synovial fluids that help joints to move, or a loss of joint cartilage that pads the bones in the joints. Although uncomfortable and sometimes painful, osteoarthritis is easily managed if diagnosed early. Depending on the severity of the condition, the sufferer may experience joint pain, swelling, ''locking'' and stiffness. A health professional may suggest different therapies for treatment, such as mild exercise, anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprohen) or analgesics (pain medications) for relief.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is more serious and can affect more than just the joints in the body. This condition is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and bones. It is thought to be genetic or hereditary in part, making a person predisposed to the disease. Some people that have the genetic makeup found in rheumatoid arthritis may never have signs and symptoms of the disease, while others suffer from symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. With the immune system attacking its own tissues, it is not only the joints that are affected. The disease may also attack the lungs, eyes, heart or other internal organs. Therefore, an early diagnosis is essential in its management.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain in more than one area of the body, usually manifesting itself in the joints first, causing pain and stiffness in the morning, swelling and tenderness in the joints and surrounding tissues. The health professional uses a combination of tests for diagnosis of the condition when these symptoms appear. X-rays to check for deformities in the joints as well as laboratory tests for abnormal antibodies in the blood assists in the diagnosis.
Treating Arthritis
Early treatment of both of these conditions keeps pain to a minimum while improving over-all health. If joint pain is persistent, it is important for patients seek professional medical assistance. There are tons of online schools that offer degree programs in the medical field, so you could get the training you need to help arthritis patients out. All you have to do is find a degree program that works for you.
Arthritis is a growing problem in America, but medical professionals improve the condition every day. You could be one of those professionals if you have the right level of motivation. Look over your options and determine if this is the right career path for you.
Different Forms of Arthritis
It is important to know the difference between the two major forms of arthritis in order to recognize their symptoms. Here are the two different forms of arthritis your patients may have:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, most often developing as we age. It is classified as a degenerative disease, meaning that we may suffer loss of bone calcium, loss of the synovial fluids that help joints to move, or a loss of joint cartilage that pads the bones in the joints. Although uncomfortable and sometimes painful, osteoarthritis is easily managed if diagnosed early. Depending on the severity of the condition, the sufferer may experience joint pain, swelling, ''locking'' and stiffness. A health professional may suggest different therapies for treatment, such as mild exercise, anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprohen) or analgesics (pain medications) for relief.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain in more than one area of the body, usually manifesting itself in the joints first, causing pain and stiffness in the morning, swelling and tenderness in the joints and surrounding tissues. The health professional uses a combination of tests for diagnosis of the condition when these symptoms appear. X-rays to check for deformities in the joints as well as laboratory tests for abnormal antibodies in the blood assists in the diagnosis.
Treating Arthritis
Early treatment of both of these conditions keeps pain to a minimum while improving over-all health. If joint pain is persistent, it is important for patients seek professional medical assistance. There are tons of online schools that offer degree programs in the medical field, so you could get the training you need to help arthritis patients out. All you have to do is find a degree program that works for you.
Arthritis is a growing problem in America, but medical professionals improve the condition every day. You could be one of those professionals if you have the right level of motivation. Look over your options and determine if this is the right career path for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment