Arthritis - FAQs

What is 'arthritis?'

The term arthritis is used to refer to more than 100 related diseases, known as rheumatic diseases. This group includes diseases that affect: joints, bones, and supporting tissue such as bursa, tendons, muscles, ligaments. Arthritis causes pain and loss of movement. Some types of arthritis can harm other parts of the body including: internal organs (heart, lungs, and kidneys) and the skin.

What are the causes of arthritis?

For most types of arthritis the causes are unknown. There are exceptions, which include: infectious arthritis. In some types of arthritis there is an interaction between the inherited susceptibility to a particular type of arthritis an unbalanced immune system and an infection such as a virus that triggers the disease process.

In some types of arthritis there may be a combination of risk factors, including defective cartilage, defect in the way bones fit together and move, an injury, joint damage caused by other types of arthritis, obesity.

In some types of arthritis, overuse/abuse of the joints, especially repeated use in positions that stress joints can cause the following types of arthritis: bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome.

Can arthritis be prevented?

Research has not given us enough information yet on ways to prevent most types of arthritis. However, some types of arthritis can be prevented; for example: rheumatic fever can be prevented by treating strep throat with penicillin; lyme disease may be prevented by avoiding bites from infected ticks and seeking early treatment with antibiotics for symptoms.

New information from research is increasing the likelihood that in the future some other types of arthritis may be prevented. Three major things you need to do to prevent problems with bones, joints and muscles: Keep fit, control your weight, protect your joints.

Is arthritis hereditary?

There are some forms of arthritis which are clearly inherited, but most are not. There is evidence that one type of arthritis of the spine - ankylosing spondylitis - and gouty arthritis are inherited, but other common forms such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis show only a weak tendency to be inherited.

Does climate affect my arthritis?

Living in a cold damp climate may make you feel your arthritis more than living in a hot, dry one. Change of weather, such as a rise in humidity and a fall in barometric pressure may also make the joints worse temporarily, but not everyone with arthritis can predict weather change.

Climate does not otherwise have an effect on the arthritis and it will not make its course any worse in the long term.

How does obesity affect arthritis?

Excess weight increases the stress placed on weight-bearing joints such as the hip and knee. Overweight is indeed a dilemma in persons with arthritis because the joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue may significantly limit their ability to burn excess calories through exercise. Exercise should be part of a weight reduction program.

Can arthritis conceal the symptoms of other diseases?

In general, arthritis produces a fairly characteristic clinical picture. Your doctor will be able to advise you if any symptoms you are having due to the arthritis or to some other disease. In general, arthritis does not conceal symptoms of other illnesses.

What exercise should I try?

Exercise helps decrease pain and stiffness, helps maintain joint movement and flexibility, helps increase or maintain muscle strength, and helps prevent deformity. There are 2 broad categories of exercise: therapeutic exercise prescribed by a physiotherapist or physician, and recreational exercise which includes any form of movement, amusement or relaxation that refreshes the body and mind.

Does alcohol have any affect on arthritis?

Acute alcohol intoxication can result in a sharp rise in the blood level of uric acid, and can lead to an acute attack of gout. Prolonged heavy drinking can cause the hip joints to crumble. If a person drinks to excess for many years, the balls of his or her hip joints start to crumble and die. This phenomenon is called avascular necrosis.

Can arthritis be cured?

The only form of arthritis which can be cured is that due to infection which can be treated by antibiotics. Other forms of arthritis, such as gout, can be completely controlled with medications. Most forms of arthritis can be controlled in large part by medication.

Why am I never without pain even when I am taking my pills?

The medications which are available to relieve the arthritis pain are not totally satisfactory. Even the most potent of these medications may not completely abolish the pain in arthritis.

What types of tests do they use to diagnose arthritis?

There is no single test that will confirm or deny the presence of arthritis in every case. Perfectly normal people may demonstrate abnormal results, while people with severe disease may demonstrate perfectly normal results common test - Hemoglobin tests, White blood counts, Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Rheumatoid factor, ANA (antinuclear antibodies), urinalysis, biopsies, aspirations, x-rays.

How do they treat arthritis?

An early diagnosis is key to successful arthritis treatment. Some treatment programs may include a combination of: exercise, joint protection, edication, rest/relaxation, self-help aids, surgery, use of heat and cold.

Treatment needs may change from day to day in response to good days and bad. A person usually cannot expect a quick, dramatic change with most treatment programs. Improvement often comes slowly and requires patience.

Is there a special diet for arthritis?

Rheumatologists and nutritionists confirm that there is no such thing as an 'arthritis diet.' Because the term arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that involve the joints, there is no one treatment - diet or otherwise - for all of the diseases. Researchers do recommend a good balanced diet for people with arthritis. The exceptions are:

GOUT: foods high in purines can raise the level of uric acid in the body.

OA and weight: being overweight can increase the risk of OA in knees.

Osteoporosis: Diet low in calcium or high in alcohol can increase the risk.

Reiters syndrome: Food or water spoiled by certain kinds of bacteria can lead to Reiters syndrome.

Is acupuncture effective for arthritis?

Acupuncture is said to relieve pain and correct disorders in the body. Thin, solid needles of varying length are inserted into acupoints to a specific depth where they are twisted & left in place for periods ranging from a few minutes to nearly an hour.

National Institutes of Health found acupuncture effective in treating painful disorders of the muscle and skeletal systems, such as FM and tennis elbow. It was judged as a 'reasonable option' for the relief of post- operative pain and low-back pain.

It won qualified endorsement as a supplement to standard remedies for carpal-tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture has virtually no side effects.

What about yoga and arthritis?

Generally yoga includes a lot of stretching and this is generally beneficial. It is usually done slowly and is therefore probably safe. There are certain conditions in which it may be ill advised.

For example, people who have unstable joints, such as in RA should possible not be doing stretching to these joints as the already unstable ligaments can be stretched further. A significant number of RA patients who have unstable neck problems - rolling and stretching exercises in these people is potentially dangerous.