ARTHRITIS Aaron Calilap Cariane Matela Tyra Wiggins

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?  Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS  Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease of the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to go wrong and attack healthy cells with includes the synovium the membrane which lines the joints.  As a result of the attack, fluid builds up in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Over time this can wear away the cartilage and erode bone, causing a lack of function and mobility.

OSTEOARTHRITIS  In osteoarthritis, there is a breakdown in the cartilage covering the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint and allow movement. As the cartilage wears away, the bones become exposed and rub against each other. The deterioration of cartilage also affects the shape and makeup of the joint so that it no longer functions smoothly.

SYMPTOMS  Symptoms include swelling, redness, stiffness, pain, and decreased range of motion

PREVENTION Notice the warning signs such as  Pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving a joint. Seek early diagnosis and treatment. Maintain appropriate weight. Protect joints Exercise

TREATMENT  Analgesics. These types of medications help reduce pain, but have no effect on inflammation.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs reduce both pain and inflammation.  Corticosteroids. This class of drug, which includes prednisone and cortisone, reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.  Physical therapy can be helpful for some types of arthritis. Exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding joints. In some cases, splints or braces may be warranted.  Joint replacement. This procedure removes your damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. Joints most commonly replaced are hips and knees.  Joint fusion. This procedure is more often used for smaller joints, such as those in the wrist, ankle and fingers. It removes the ends of the two bones in the joint and then locks those ends together until they heal into one rigid unit.