[Biology Class Notes] on Arthritis Pdf

Introduction To Arthritis 

Arthritis refers literally to the inflammation of joints. Arthritis is a very prevalent, yet serious ailment found in nearly every age group and gender. It is usually understood as having various types of joint pain or as a joint disease. Arthritis is the most common source of illness in the world today. Globally, more than 20 million people suffer from arthritis. This disease makes it much more difficult for affected individuals to be physically active.

Arthritis is a joint disorder that has particular symptoms of swelling, pain, and burning sensation in the joint stiffness, joint damage, or inflammation of one or more joints. There are various types of arthritis. It is a rheumatic ailment. It is also referred to as ‘wear and tear’ of the joints.

Different Types of Arthritis

About 200 conditions that affect the joints, joint tissues, and other connective tissue can be called arthritis. Out of these, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout are the most common types of arthritis. These have been described below.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the recurrent autoimmune disease that causes persistent inflammation of joints and other areas of the body. It is usually triggered when an individual’s immune system destroys its own cartilage and joint lining capsule (a thick membrane that encloses all the pieces of the joint). Rheumatoid arthritis typically involves the joints of hands, ankles, and elbows. It culminates in the deterioration of two opposite bones. It is found most frequently in adolescents or young adults (individuals aged 20 and over).

The cartilage is the connective tissue that is present between the joint of two bones. Osteoarthritis is the most frequently seen type of arthritis caused by wear and tear or damage to the cartilage of the joint surrounding the bone, resulting in reduced friction between bones. This generates intense discomfort at the joints and a burning feeling. A regular lifestyle, keeping a healthy weight, staying fit, and minimizing injuries, and repeated activities will help to prevent it. This type of arthritis is seen in people who have suffered previous joint trauma, have obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and also in older women and other individuals.

An even more severe form of arthritis, caused by pathogenic infections, is termed infectious arthritis, as it is a contagious disease. The condition is caused by pathogens intruding into the joints, which can result in inflammation, swelling, and pain. Salmonella, Shigella, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are the microbes that infect the joints and trigger this disease. Adequate treatment with antibiotics can cure this joint infection in many cases, but in rare cases, this infectious arthritis may develop into an overly critical condition. 

Arthritis Causes

There are several reasons behind the occurrence of arthritis, and the form of arthritis depends upon this. Females are more likely than males to develop osteoarthritis. Anything that might damage the cartilage can lead to arthritis. 

There are few other general causes which include: 

• Old age

• Poor diet plans and lack of nutrition 

• Unfit lifestyle 

• Immune attacks 

• Genetic factors and family history   

• Common wear and tear 

• Metabolic dysfunctions 

• Infectious attacks to the joints from pathogenic bacteria.

Arthritis Symptoms

Pain and a sense of burning are common signs found in all forms of arthritis. Additional signs include the following. 

• Development of a limp

• Sleeping poorly 

• Joint deformity 

• Fatigue or malaise 

• Struggling joints that become overly sensitive  

• Muscle troubles and pains 

• Difficult to move the Joint 

• Pain or soreness across the joints 

• Swelling and Joint Stiffness 

• Rash and heat in joints

Arthritis Diagnosis

There are four different types of tests used to diagnose patients of arthritis. The diagnosis varies on the basis of the symptoms. These methods of diagnosis are described below.

• Physical Examinations: The visible signs, stiffness, and swelling of the joints are checked. 

• Imaging Tests: These include X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI for visual analysis of the joints.

• Blood Tests: Blood samples are obtained to determine the presence of pathogens, inflammation rate, and the presence of antibodies.

• Joint Fluid Examination: In this process, fluid from the joints is used to determine the source of inflammation in the joints.

Arthritis Prevention

Lots of things can be done to prevent arthritis. There are chances of avoiding such debilitating diseases by embracing and practicing good behaviors. Some healthy habits include the following.  

• Routine physical activities, such as walking, running, and swimming. 

• Having a healthy, nourishing, and balanced diet that incorporates foods that are rich in Vitamin D. 

• Continuing to keep a stable weight and a healthy BMI. 

• Eliminate repeated joint actions and accidents.

• Perform regular exercise, which strengthens the joints.