Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of people everyday. The term Arthritis has become somewhat of a general term or umbrella that encompasses many variations including Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis and several types of Juvenile Arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is chronic and causes inflammation of the synovium leading to swelling of the joints. Synovia describes the viscous fluid that surrounds the joints, bursae (a small cushion-like sac) and tendons. It acts like a lubricant and contains a form of protein, fat and mineral salts.
On a side note: the term "chronic" (Greek origin) means a condition that develops slowly and persists over time often for the remainder of ones life.
New research has shown a link to blood platelets which may enter joints affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis and form microplatelets that could affect the tissue lining causing swelling and tenderness - much like the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
. The Arthritis Foundation lists on their website that this could be a great breakthrough in drug development and explains why some drugs do not work for certain RA patients.
Another study showed a conversion of the amino acid arginine to citrulline in the joints of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis who tend to form anti-citrulline autoantibodies. This response appears to lead to the inflammation that damages joints. The Arthritis Foundation states that this study will help focus on finding better treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis...which may be "more effective, safer and longer lasting than presently available medication for R.A."
Osteoarthritis (OA), Degenerative Joint Disease; (DJD or Disorder of Movable Joints) is a disease in which one or several joints undergo gradual deterioration including bone sclerosis (hardening), loss of cartilage, and the formation of osteophytes (formation of new bone at the joint surface; bone spurs - where it's NOT suppose to be).
The term osteo- (Greek) refers to bone and the term arthr- comes from the word arthron (Greek) and means joint. The term -itis simply means inflammation; bone-joint inflammation.
Osteoarthritis still appears to be the most common form of Arthritis. It is more common in women and is found primarily in people over the age of 45. The reason more women than men are diagnosed with osteoarthritis may be hormonal in nature and somehow linked to the relationship between estrogen and bone formation.
A recent study indicates that a substance derived from fat tissue may harm cartilage and lead some people to the development of OA. This may change how medical professionals view obesity in conjunction with osteoarthritis.
Another study finds that pain is mostly due to loss of joint cartilage rather than bone spurs. This will help focus research and thus find better ways to manage pain.
A recent study observation pinpointed a certain cytokine (IL-15) that appears to be elevated in patients with early stages of osteoarthritis, especially those seeking medical help for knee pain. This may help in early diagnosis and lead to better treatments. Cytokines act like messengers to regulate many cell functions including inflammatory responses.
If you suffer from knee pain, check with your doctor or local hospital for a place that may offer an aquatic program to help manage your pain.
Juvenile Arthritis: There are many forms of
Juvenile Arthritisthat fall under the Arthritis umbrella:
Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (also known by these names: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Chronic Arthritis), Juvenile Spondyloarthritis, Lupus in Children, Scleroderma and Fibromyalgia.
Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDMS) is a disease of the connective tissue causing skin rashes (inflammation) and weak muscles. Often muscle tissue is lost leading to extreme disability to perform normal tasks. This is considered an auto-immune disease and it's characteristics are different from that of adult dermatomyositis. The infection fighting process of the immune system is not able to turn off, damaging tissues and blood vessels.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Rheumatoid, Chronic) usually affects the larger joints of children under the age of 16. The term Idiopathic simply means -without a known cause. This form is the most common form of juvenile arthritis. It can range from very mild to more severe and is characterized by "four major changes in the joints", according to The Arthritis Foundation. Symptoms include: joint inflammation, stiffness or damage. Diagnosis is a process as pain varies. Children may be referred to a pediatric rheumatologist if joint pain persists for more than 6 weeks. There are three main types of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Pauciarticular (affecting 4 or less joints), Polyarticular (affecting 5 or more joints), and Systemic (affecting at least one joint with inflammation of internal organs).
Juvenile Spondyloarthritis or Juvenile Spondyloarthropathies (JSp) refers to the spine; -spondyl. There are several types of this disorder including, but not limited to: Ankylosing (bent joints) and Enteropathic(involves the bowel). Early diagnosis is very important for effective treatment in slowing tissue damage. Features often involve the spine, asymmetrical; meaning one side of the body is affected at a time, affects mostly large joints, eye irritation. It appears to be more common in children with a particular genetic tissue type called: HLA-B27.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or just Lupus is more common than many realize. The Arthritis Foundation reports that "~25,000 children and adolescents in the Unites States have Lupus or a related disorder." In the case of this disorder many parts of the body, inside and out, can be affected and it's often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to the flu, such as: fever and chills. More advanced symptoms include: redness/rash on face and chest, stiff joints, mouth ulcers, and more than usual hair fall-out. This disorder can be active and then inactive for a long period of time.
Scleroderma comes from the Greek word Skleros meaning hard. This disorder has also become an umbrella of related disorders mainly:
~Localized, which is much more common and effects a few areas of the body.
~Systemic is rare and effects many areas of the body. Skin, deep tissues, muscles, blood vessels and internal organs may be affected.
Fibromyalgia (FMS) is often linked with adults and many do not realize that it affects youth too. It is characterized by mild to intense pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is considered arthritis-related although it doesn't appear to cause damage to the joints. Due to the pain involved it is considered rheumatic. More research is needed on Fibromyalgia in order to gain a better understanding of this syndrome. In the meantime, exercise, proper sleep habits, stress relief, coping skills and medication appear to be providing the most relief.
New research has found a diagnostic test to help in the diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis. It appears some people may not have the IL-1 receptor antagonist that blocks excessive amounts of the cytokine IL-1 mediator responsible for inflammation. This study also helped in designing a new medication that is showing positive results.
Resources: A diagnosis of Arthritis can be devastating and stressful. Patients and loved ones can receive hope by gaining information and thus, better understanding of their particular condition. Getting involved in local fundraisers and foundations can help provide a sense of pleasure while increasing funds to further research.
Water therapy appears to be helping many arthritis patients. If your community does not have water therapy available, see if you can find a local arthritis support group to brainstorm about how to get one in your community.
As you can see arthritis has become a big umbrella that encompasses many types of disorders for both adults and youth. Having access to resources helps in the management of pain and progression as well as providing hope and emotional support.
