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JOIN DISEASE

Arthritis Types

Rheumatoid Arthritis
OsteoArthritis
Infectious (Septic) Arthritis

Other Joint Conditions

  • Gout
  • Pseudogout
  • Torn/Strained Ligaments
  • Torn Cartilage
  • Tendinitis
  • Bursitis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Description:

  • Inflames Synovial Membranes in joint
  • Abnormal Immune System Activity
  • Synovial Tissue Thickens
  • Causes ongoing inflammation and cartilage breakdown

Symptoms:

  • Pain, stiffness, swelling in joints of hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees, and neck

Diagnosis: 

joint examination, medical history, several tests

  • Risk Factors: Age, Gender (female), genetic susceptibility, smoking

Treatment:

  • Physical Therapy: exercise, heat/cold, massage
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Biofeedback (to control pain)
  • Counselling
  • Accupuncture
  • Supplements
  • Blood Filtering (severe cases)

Gout

Risk Factors:

Excessive alcohol consumption, High BP, Diabetes, High cholesterol, Genetics, Age, Gender (male)
Treatment:
Medication: NSAIDS, corticosteroids, uric acid lowering medications
Adjust diet and alcohol consumption

Pseudogout

Description:

Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate crystals in blood
Symptoms:

inflammation, tenderness, redness, joint pain 

  • Risk Factors: Age, Joint trama, Genetic disorder, Excess iron in blood
  • Treatment:
  • Medications: NSAIDS, Colchicine
  • Joint Aspiration
  • Rest
  • Diagnosis: X-Rays, Joint fluid analysis

Torn/Strained Ligaments

Description: Stretched/Torn Ligaments (ligaments hold bones together in a joint)

Symptoms: Pain, Swelling. Limited mobility, Joint instability
Diagnosis: Physical Exam, X-Rays, MRI

Risk Factors: Previous injury, “loose” ligaments
Treatment:
RICE
Rehabilitation
Medication: NSAIDS
Surgery

Torn Cartilage

  • Risk Factors: none known
  • Treatment:
  • Rehabilitation
  • Arthroscopic Surgery
  • Invasive Surgery

Tendinitis

Description: inflammation of or microtears in tendon (tendon connects muscle to bone)
Symptoms: gradually increasing pain, sore to touch, swelling, stiffness
Diagnosis: Physical Exam, Medical/ Activity History, MRI, X-Rays

  • Risk Factors: repetitive tasks
  • Treatment:
  • Ice/Heat
  • “Cho-Pat” Straps
  • NSAIDS
  • Surgery

Bursitis

Description:

Swelling of the bursa (fluid pouch around joint)
Symptoms:

Swell/Pain when pressure applied, pain, stiffness
Diagnosis: Physical Exam, Medical History, Draw Bursa Fluid for testing

Risk Factors: Repetitive tasks; people who work on their knees (carpet layers, roofers, gardeners)
Treatment:

  • Medications: NSAIDS, Corticosteroids
  • Ice
  • Drain extra fluids
  • Surgery

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