Vitamin C Dosage For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Vitamin C Dosage For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is any disease which causes inflammation affecting the joints in the body and can result in varying levels of pain and disability. There are many types of arthritis and here we look at some of the more common ones and the varying treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms.

Different Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 types of arthritis affecting around 50 million people in the United States. Almost half of the arthritis sufferers in America suffer from one of the most common forms of the disease known as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in a joint breaks down causing pain and stiffness.

A second common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's own immune system attacks itself. It affects the lining of joints causing painful swelling which can eventually lead to joint deformity.

Other types of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus and spondyloarthritis to name but a few.

Common locations for arthritis include joints in the hands and fingers, the hip joints, the back and spine and the feet and toes.

Arthritis in Fingers and Hands

The hands and the bony joints of the fingers are common sites for the main types of arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling and in severe cases joint deformity. The affected area may be red or warm to the touch. Arthritis in the hands and fingers can make daily activity difficult.

Treatment options for arthritis in the hands and fingers will depend on the severity of the disease. Rest and taking over the counter medication may be enough in milder cases, however, where symptoms are more severe, other treatment options may be explored. These will include stronger pain medication, use of steroid medication or injection into the joint and hand or wrist splints to help mobilize the joint. Physiotherapy and targeted exercises of the hand may also prove useful in alleviating the pain and stiffness.

In very severe cases surgery may be required.

Arthritis in Hips

Arthritis is a common reason for hip pain. There are five main types of arthritis that can affect the hips: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriatic arthritis.

As a result of the pain, arthritis can cause stiffness and difficulty walking. There will be reduced range of motion of the hip. Depending on the type of arthritis, degeneration of the hip joint can occur.

Treatment options will vary. Pain and anti-inflammatory medication can be useful, but other options such as low-impact exercise and physiotherapy can help to increase the range of movement and reduce stiffness. Being obese can have a negative impact on the hip joint so reducing weight will take pressure off the joints. In very severe cases of hip arthritis surgery is recommended. Either a total hip replacement or osteotomy surgery, which cuts and repositions the joint, can result in good outcomes.

Arthritis in the Back and Spine

The spine is a common location for arthritis. Like other forms of arthritis, pain and stiffness are the main symptoms, particularly on waking in the morning. Reduced mobility, for example not being able to bend down to pick something up, will also be evident as will muscle spasms. With spinal arthritis nerves can often be affected, resulting in numbness or tingling in the limbs.

Treatment for spinal arthritis is aimed at reducing the pain and stiffness. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication can be of benefit. Non-medication options such as exercise, heat packs or standing under a warm shower may also help. Where the bones of the spine have fused together surgery may be required to correct this.

Arthritis in Feet and Toes

The toes and feet can be another common site for arthritis. A form of arthritis called gout, particularly affects the big toe. Gout is caused by raised levels of uric acid in the body. Other types of arthritis affect the toes and feet also. All can cause pain and swelling and make walking difficult.

Treatment will include pain medication and anti-inflammatories. Avoiding high impact exercise such as running may help. Assistive devices such as the use of a cane or wearing an ankle-foot orthosis or using shoe inserts (orthotics) may also be beneficial. In the case of Gout medication can be given to reduce levels of uric acid.

In Summary

Arthritis affects millions of Americans. It is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints of the body. There are over 100 types of arthritis with all causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, redness and reduced mobility of the affected joint. In severe cases it can have a detrimental impact on daily life. Treatment options range from over the counter pain medication and anti-inflammatories to lifestyle options including low-impact exercise and physical therapy. In more serious cases, surgery is required. In all cases it is best of discuss the most appropriate treatment with your health care provider.

Vitamin C Dosage For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Source: https://www.life123.com/article/common-types-of-arthritis-and-the-best-treatments-options?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740009%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

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