The Pains of Arthritis

Over 21 million people in the US claim to be affected by the disability-causing disease arthritis. In general, this  disease literally means inflammation of the joints (arth = joint, itis= inflamation of). Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile arthritis are just three of many different classifications of arthritis – the main three that affect the population.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the infection-fighting lymphocytes in blood begin to attack healthy tissue. The lining of the joints (the synovial membrane) is the primary target for battle, leading to inflammation and pain; breakdown of the membrane, cartilage, and bones; and deformity of the joints. Because the body is working against itself, it causes the patient's joints to swell, as a normal infection should cause increased blood flow of both red blood cells and white blood cells to the site of disease (in this case to the site of the synovial membrane). In response, the body can raise its temperature to try to ward off the infection so low fevers are common signs of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also associated with fatigue due to lack of blood flow to primary organs. The disease is chronic meaning it is ongoing without a cure, but there are periods of remission where the patient can be symptom free for a time.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is associated with old age. It is NOT a symptom of old age but a degenerative disease. It is also not an autoimmune disease. It primarily affects joints of the hands, feet, hips, and knees, breaking down the cartilage of the bones first and then the bones. The cartilage is what allows joints to move without wearing on the bones. After the cartilage is deteriorated, the bones begin to grind on themselves creating an immense amount of pain for osteoarthritis patients. Pain is normally worse in the morning and during bits of physical activity, however physical activity is one of the best defenses against osteoarthritis. Strengthening the joint and the area around the joint can prevent the onset of symptoms and degeneration. Injury to the site is a common prerequisite for this type of arthritis. Hip or knee replacement surgery is a common treatment if the bones become degenerated.

The term “juvenile arthritis” is a bit vague, describing many types of arthritis that affect people under the age of 16. The most common form is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease, affecting 1 in 250 children, according to a CDC study in 2007. This disease however can present much differently in children. In 10% of cases, it is systemic, meaning that it affects the entire body from the eyes to the GI tract, from a rash on the skin to the inflammation of the membranes around the heart and lungs. Although the disease is idiopathic (the cause is not known), studies have shown that juvenile arthritis is much more prevalent in girls at a rate as high as 5:1. Most juvenile cases are only present while the children are less than 16 years of age and the symptoms remiss with age. In about 30% of cases, the child will go on to present with a later form of adult rheumatoid arthritis.

Although no form of arthritis has yet to have a cure, an early diagnosis is best. Medical treatments can delay the onset of the disease and prevent degeneration of joints and bones. The primary tip physicians give is to increase exercise. Building up the muscles around the joints in turn makes the joints stronger. Working out also builds stronger bones. The combination of exercise and medication can increase remission periods and decrease inflammation, pain, and bone degeneration.

“Arthritis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 31 October 2012. www.cdc.gov/arthritis/

“Arthritis Types.” Arthritis Foundation, 2012. www.arthitis.org

Teitel, Ariel, MD. “Arthritis: Joint Inflammation.” PubMed Health. US National Library of Medicine, 2 February 2012. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002223/

“What is RA?” Abbott Laboratories, 2012. www.ra.com