Multiple: Arthritis
Multiple: Arthritis
Arthritis is a group of disorders that affect the joints, causing pain, welling, and gradual loss of the ability to move freely or easily. About forty-six million Americans have some form of arthritis, and nineteen million have their activities limited by the disease. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, usually results from the aging process, infection of
the joints, or repeated injuries to the joints; it is the leading cause of disability in adults over the age of fifty-five. The other common form, rheumatoid arthritis, is a disorder of the immune system in which the body attacks its own tissues. It has a much greater impact on the patient's life span and quality of life than osteoarthritis.
Arthritis can also develop in people diagnosed with such other diseases as lupus, Lyme disease, hepatitis, Crohn disease, or ulcerative colitis.
There is no cure for either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for these joint disorders is aimed at relieving pain and swelling, and keeping the affected joints functional. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis to slow down the damage to the patient's joints.
SEE ALSO Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Sprains and strains