Causes of the many forms of arthritis vary widely

There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis. From the Greek word arthron meaning “joint” and the Latin itis meaning “inflammation” it affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically your joints.

It’s one of those “if you live long enough …” conditions. Although juvenile arthritis affects roughly 285,000 children under the age of 16, more than half the population over 65 will be diagnosed with a form of the condition.

Although most arthritis symptoms are similar, pain and swelling of the joints, the causes are different. With the most common, osteoarthritis, cartilage loses its elasticity eventually leading to bone rubbing against bone. Symptoms start out mild and increase as time goes by. Patients often complain of stiffness that eases with movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease where the synovial membrane (soft connective tissue) is attacked resulting in swelling and pain. Left alone it can cause deformities. Often the patient finds the same joint on each side of the body is swollen, inflamed and stiff. The joint is tender when touched. The patient may feel tired and suffer weight loss.

Infectious arthritis is typically a bacterial infection in the synovial fluid and tissues of the joint. The infection can also be caused by a virus or fungi and can lead to the bloodstream. This patient will have a fever and sharp pain often associated with an injury or another illness.

Only a medical professional can determine whether or not you have arthritis, what kind and give you advice on how to treat the disease. Although often over-the-counter pain relievers will alleviate the pain, it’s critical to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Sometimes a simple blood test and X-ray will provide all the answers.

The point is that if you’re suffering joint pain for more than three days, a trip to the medico is in order. Then, of course, a plan of action that undoubtedly will change your lifestyle will be recommended.

Those recommendations may include doing some gentle exercises before bed to help alleviate morning stiffness. When sitting for a period of time, adjust your position frequently, tilt your head from side to side and front to back. Bend and stretch your legs and clench and open your fist.

Avoid activities that are hard on your joints such as running, jumping, tennis, high-impact aerobics and any repetitive movement like serving that tennis ball. But stay active or you’ll lose stability and suffer muscle atrophy. Focus on stretching, gaining range of motion and gradual progressive strength training. Walk, cycle, or perform water exercises, they will improve your mood and help maintain your weight.

But it hurts! Then stop what you’re doing and take a rest. Often a cold compress or heating pad will work wonders. Use the cold to relieve the pain, heat for the stiff and achy joints and muscles.

Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin tablet as directed on the bottle after you’ve done a bit more than you should have, like gardening. If that doesn’t help, take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) for a couple of days. These drugs will help to reduce inflammation as well as pain.

If you find yourself taking pain relievers on a regular basis, call your health practitioner. If you find yourself getting depressed, a common complaint by the way, see the medico immediately.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com, 264-4029. Google: Arthritis for more information.