ARTHRITIS

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Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. There are many types of arthritis. Arthritis can affect both the young and the elderly. The most common types are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

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Osteoarthritis
- Signs and Symptoms
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Signs and Symptoms
Important
Self Management
Life Style
Avoid
Living with Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition where there is a breakdown of the cartilage padding the joint. It is more common later in life and in people who have strained their joints e.g. those who have done heavy labour and those who are overweight. The joints that are usually affected are the hips, knees and spine.

Signs and Symptoms
v Pain and swelling in joints such as the hips, spine, knees, elbows and in women the
    terminal joints of the fingers.
v There is intermittent, aching pain relieved by rest.
v Limitation of movement as the disease progresses due to the loss of cartilage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is a disease effecting mainly the small joints such as those in the fingers, and wrists. Other joints commonly effected are the shoulders, knees and feet. Early treatment should be sought to minimise deformities.

Signs and Symptoms
v Swelling in one or more joints usually symmetrical.
v Early morning stiffness.
v Recurring, migratory pain in the joints.
v Inability to move a joint normally.
v Obvious redness and warmth in the joint.
v Weakness and tiredness.
v Low grade fever.
v Tingling sensation in the extremities.
v Stiffness of the muscle when in one position for long time.

Important

The treatment for the various types of arthritis is different. It is important to see the doctor if any of the symptoms is experienced, so that the necessary investigation and treatment can be given.

Self Management

If your doctor has informed you that you have arthritis, the following should be done.
v If overweight – reduce your body weight.
v Keep supple and mobile.Exercise daily to increase joint and muscle flexibility. Plan your
    exercise programme with your physiotherapist.
v Rest intermittently.
v Heat – Have a hot shower in the morning because the heat gives relief and relaxes the
    muscle.Other forms of heat treatment can be carried out after consultation with the doctor
    or physiotherapist.
v Physical aids – depending on the patient’s condition, an occupational therapist could
    advice regarding suitable physical aids.

Life Style

v Exercise and rest in moderation is important. If there is pain and swelling, the joint involved
    should be rested.
v Avoid straining joints. Use big joints, to do a task, e.g. use your whole arm instead of your
    hand to push open a door.
v Distribute weight over joints e.g. use both arms to carry books instead of one arm.
v Wear proper shoes especially for walking.
v Eat a nutritious, well balanced diet and maintain the optimum body weight.
v Organise activities so that maximum output is obtained with minimum effort.
v Join the arthritis support groups.
v Think positive and cheerful.

Avoid

v Straining involved joints.
v Lifting objects – wheel or slide them.
v Being in one position for too long.
v Wearing poorly fitted shoes.
v Letting the pain upset your morale.

Living with Arthritis

v Using new gadgets to assist you in doing your daily needs without straining your joints.
v Communicating with new friends who share a common problem.
v Enjoy life and get to know more about the disease.