Module 7: The ASEAN World of Medicine
Table of Contents
Reading Text & Presentation
7.3.1 Arthritis
(Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm retrieved 3/7/2014)
Arthritis affects the joints of the musculoskeletal system, and is often a cause of disability in the aged. The symptoms are trouble moving around, pain and stiffness in the body, and pain and swelling in the joints. As the condition worsens, a swollen joint can suffer severe damage. In fact there are more than 100 medical conditions that are associated with arthritis. Some can affect younger people, but it is osteoarthritis that is mostly associated with older people.
In basic joint composition there are two bones and they are held together by ligaments. The ligaments are like bands of elastic that keep the bones in place. Muscles make the joint move. The ends of the two bones are covered by cartilage that stops the bones from rubbing together and allows the joint to work smoothly. The joint is surrounded by a casing, and the space within — the joint cavity — is filled with synovial fluid which nourishes the joint and the cartilage. The synovial membrane lining the joint cavity produces the fluid.
Research has shown that arthritis usually occurs as a result of several factors: genetic makeup, demanding physical work, previous injury, infections or allergic reactions (usually short-term effects), certain foods, obesity (extra joint strain), and autoimmune disease. Arthritic problems are usually connected with the type of arthritis, and these are often the cartilage wearing away, a lack of fluid, infection, autoimmunity, or a combination of many factors.
Osteoarthritis develops slowly and gets worse over the years. It begins with joint pain, there is tenderness when pressure is applied, the joint is stiff (especially early morning), and the joint loses its flexibility. There may be a grating sensation when the joint is used, and hard lumps may appear around the joint which may swell and go red. Hips, hands, knees and the spine are most commonly affected.
The three other types of arthritis that people often suffer from are Rheumatoid arthritis, Infectious arthritis and Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form. The synovial membrane is attacked, which results in swelling and pain. If untreated, it can lead to deformity. It is more common in women than men, striking between the ages of 40 and 60, but children and older people may also contract it.
Infectious arthritis, or septic arthritis, is an infection in the joint’s synovial fluid and tissues. Bacteria are usually the cause, but fungi or viruses may also spread through the bloodstream from infected tissue nearby, and infect a joint. Those already suffering from arthritis can develop an infection that travels in the bloodstream.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is arthritis that affects young people under 16. It can be various forms of arthritis that a child is suffering from: Pauciarticular, where the child suffers pain in up to 4 joints (this is the most common and mildest); Polyarticular, which is more severe affecting more joints getting worse as time goes by; and Systemic where the pain occurs in many joints. This form is the least common and can spread to organs.
Treatment of arthritis can be difficult, but a combination of physical activity, therapy, diet modification and medication has been found to help. In the most severe cases, joint replacement surgery can sometimes be the solution.
