Arthritis is a medical condition in which the joints between our bones become inflamed. This can cause pain and a loss of movement. One in seven South Africans is affected by one form of arthritis or another according to the Arthritis Foundation of South Africa. In many cases early treatment can help minimise the damage caused and it is therefore important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the condition.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) on-going effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, this article explores the subject of arthritis this World Arthritis Day, 12 October 2012.
World Arthritis Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness of this medical condition, which affects millions of South Africans. It also encourages those who suffer from the disease to reassess their treatment options and to take better control of the condition so they can enjoy an improved quality of life.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the swelling or inflammation of one or more bone joints, which is where two bones meet. There are a number of different reasons why a bone joint might become inflamed and more than 100 different types of arthritis.
In some cases arthritis is not very serious, causing only a little stiffness in a joint and being no more than irritant. For other people, however, it can be very serious. Some types of arthritis can cause changes in the bones and muscles around the joint causing them to become deformed. This can result in great pain for the sufferer, impairing their ability to walk and, if their hands are severely affected, even perform such basic tasks as knitting or making a cup of tea.
The complications of arthritis may include the following:
What causes arthritis?
The cause of the arthritis depends on the type of arthritis that the individual has. Many people have a genetic predisposition to arthritis whereas others may develop it after having had a bacterial or viral infection. Sometimes it occurs in people whose joints have suffered a great deal of ‘wear and tear' or been damaged after an accident or other trauma. This is called osteoarthritis and it is the most common form of arthritis.
Cartilage is found between the joints of our bones and allows our joints to move smoothly when we move. It also provides protection to the joint. If the cartilage in our joints starts to break down for one reason or another, our bones can rub together causing stiffness, pain and inflammation.
Common forms of arthritis
The three most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Who does arthritis affect?
Arthritis can affect anyone including the young and old, men and women. There is even a type that can develop in children. It most commonly affects the elderly, however, as joints tend to become worn over time and with overuse.
Symptoms
What are the common symptoms of arthritis? This may depend on the type of arthritis that the individual develops but there are some common symptoms to watch for:
Diagnosis
If you suffer from the above symptoms for more than three days you should visit your healthcare practitioner. Your doctor will ask you for a history of your symptoms and how they affect you. He or she will also examine your joints for inflammation and deformity, and may undertake certain blood, urine and joint fluid tests. He or she may also order X-rays of your joints. It may take several visits before your doctor will be sure whether you have arthritis and, if so, what type it is.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon what kind of arthritis the individual has. Most kinds of arthritis cannot be cured, however the progress of the condition can be kept in check and symptoms successfully treated. The Arthritis Foundation of South Africa says early diagnosis and treatment is key because this can reduce the severity of the condition. The following may be used as part of the therapy for arthritis:
Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate forms of treatment with you. It is vital that all medications are taken as directed. Should you find your medication is disagreeing with you and is having side-effects be sure to speak to your healthcare practitioner about this.
For the most part arthritis cannot be prevented although avoiding joint injury can certainly assist in some cases. Overweight individuals also tend to suffer more from arthritis in joints such as the knees. Therefore losing weight can certainly be of assistance.
Seek treatment
Many people in South Africa who suffer from arthritis are not treated and live a life of discomfort and pain. As modern therapies can assist in improving the quality of life of an arthritis sufferer and often improve the prognosis of the condition, it is essential that everyone is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Be sure to visit your doctor if you are experiencing discomfort and pain in your joints.
For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.
Sources:
1.Arthritis Foundation of South Africa, www.arthritis.org.za.
2.MedicineNet.com, www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/article.htm.
3.PubMed Health, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002223.
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