How To Know If It’s Arthritis

How Is Spinal Arthritis Diagnosed

Your doctor may use some or all of the following diagnostic methods to confirm spinal arthritis:

• Medical history and physical exam

• Blood tests for genetic markers and/or RA antibodies

• X-rays of the spine to locate the arthritic joint

• MRI, CT scan, myelography, bone scan and/or ultrasound to zero in on the damage, detect nerve and spinal cord involvement or rule out other causes

• Joint aspiration: testing of the synovial fluid inside a joint

To pinpoint the painful joint, your doctor may numb it with an injection and check whether the pain goes away.

Do I Have Arthritis In The Hands

Arthritis is not always easy to diagnose. Most patients have the following signs and symptoms:

• Pain: Itis an early symptom of arthritis, in most cases as morning pain and stiffness. Activities that once were easy, such as opening a jar or starting the car engine become difficult due to pain in the hands
• Swelling: This symptom is characterized by a series of signs that include pain, redness of the skin, and warmth. Warmthupon touch is due to the bodys inflammatory response.
• Crepitations: When the articulation crepitates, it can be due to damaged cartilage surfaces rubbing against one another.
• Other signs and symptoms: Other include joint tenderness, instability, effusion, limitation of range of movement and wasting of the muscles.

But even if you have these symptoms in your hands, you dont necessarily have arthritis. You will need several exams, including blood tests, X-rays, rheumatoid arthritis serology, and you may also need more advanced exams, as in joint aspiration.

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/8both Physical And Mental Stress Are Deleterious

Stress does not simplify to mental stress or anxiety and depression.

Stress is also when the body is put through tremendous burden in order to keep itself running.

When the body does not get sufficient physical activity, or when it does not get required nutrients from the food that is consumed it comes under stress to work on the limited resources. This is when it comes under stress.

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When To See A Healthcare Provider

You may be wondering when carpal tunnel and arthritis pain progress from annoyance to a medical problem. How concerned you should be about either of these conditions depends on how much it impacts your daily activities and how much pain you are having. If carpal tunnel pain is waking you at night or your arthritis is preventing you from holding certain items and performing daily activities, it’s probably time to see a healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that the earlier you seek treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis pain, the better your outcomes are usually.

Spinal Arthritis Causes And Risk Factors

The causes of arthritis in the back or neck vary depending on the type of arthritis you have. Besides normal wear and tear and autoimmune triggers, in many cases the exact cause remains unknown. Genetic components have been identified in connection with some forms of spinal arthritis, meaning that it may be hereditary.

Other spinal arthritis risk factors include:

• Excess weight/obesity

• Presence of certain conditions such as diabetes, gout, psoriasis, tuberculosis, irritable bowel syndrome and Lyme disease

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Hand Osteoarthritis Home Remedies

These home treatments can help:

• Exercises. Your doctor or physical therapist can show you what to do to improve strength and range of motion and to ease pain.
• Assistive devices. Special pens, kitchen utensils, and other tools with big grips may be easier to use.
• Ice or heat. Ice may reduce swelling and pain. Heat, like a warm washcloth or a paraffin bath, can loosen stiff joints.
• Skin treatments. Medicated creams can give relief when you rub them on sore joints. Gels with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also help.
• Supplements. Many people take glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for OA. Researchers are still looking into whether they help. Ask your doctor if theyre OK to try.

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Types Of Finger Arthritis

There are three types of arthritis that commonly affect the fingers:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, also called wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common type of finger arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes normal cartilage to wear away. This exposes bare bone at the joints. The most frequently affected joints in the hand are the knuckles of the mid-finger and fingertip and the joint at the base of the thumb.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis causes a different type of joint destruction. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the whole body. It causes the immune system to attack the soft tissues surrounding the joints. The most commonly affected joints in the hand are the knuckles at the base of the fingers .
• Gout: Gout is a condition that occurs when crystals develop within the joints. These crystals can form in one or more joints when there is too much of a substance called uric acid in the body. While the big toe is the most commonly affected part of the body, gout can also develop in finger joints.

Rarely, other types of arthritis can also cause problems in the fingers.

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Psoriatic Arthritis Of The Hip

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can develop in people with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition that can also cause inflammation in the joints, including the hip. Over time, untreated inflammation can lead to joint damage. Psoriatic arthritis of the hip is a chronic condition. It can develop before or after the telltale skin symptoms of psoriasis develop.

/8what Is A Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle not smoking, losing excess weight, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly is the cornerstone for preventing and treating hypertension, says a Harvard report.

On healthy lifestyle, Dr Ashutosh Shukla Senior Director-Internal Medicine & Medical Advisor Max Hospital ,Gurugram explains, leading a good healthy lifestyle has a better impact, your blood pressure will be much better controlled so for that it is important to have some form of physical activity on a daily basis like 15 to 30 minutes of walk everyday.

Dr Shukla also emphasizes on sleep. Along with physical activity 7-8 hours of adequate sound and uninterrupted sleep everyday in the night is needed, he says and suggests avoiding stress by doing some form of meditation and yoga on a regular basis.

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These Tips Can Make It Easier To Live With Hand Arthritis

The pain of hand arthritis is often worse when youre pinching or gripping. But those motions are a vital part of many everyday activities. An occupational therapist can teach you ways to modifying the way you do them. You may also want to:

• Add grips to pens and pencils to make them easier to hold
• Record your voice instead of typing
• Swap a ball mouse for your trackpad for computer work
• Use pots and pans with two handles, so they are easier to carry
• Choose dishwasher-safe dishes over those you have to wash by hand
• Replace household items like scissors, nail clippers and knives with versions designed for people with arthritis
• Request prescription medication without child-safe caps, as long as there are not young children living in your house
• Choose clothing that doesnt have buttons or zippers
• Use pump containers instead of squeeze bottles for shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap and other products

Sometimes, it can help to wear a compression device or a splint to minimize movement in the joint. An orthopedic therapist can make recommendations and ensure that youre fitted properly, Dr. Panico said.

And pay attention to the time of day when you notice symptoms. Typically, the joints are less stiff early in the day, so planning your fine-motor tasks for then can help decrease discomfort, Dr. Panico said. If you take medication for joint pain, youll get maximum relief within one to four hours, so time your activities for then.

How Is Arthritis Of The Knee Treated

Healthcare providers cant cure knee arthritis. But they have some tips that might reduce the severity of your symptoms and possibly stop the arthritis from getting worse, including:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise using low-impact activities instead of high-impact activities . Aim for about 150 minutes of exercise per week.
• Wear shock-absorbing inserts in your shoes.
• Apply heat or ice to the area.
• Wear a knee sleeve or brace.
• Physical therapy exercises that help with flexibility, strength and motion.

Most people have stage 4 arthritis when they get surgery.

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How To Pick Up A Medium Or Large Dog

The best way to pick up a medium-sized dog is to cradle them in your arms. A medium-sized dog can weigh anywhere from nine to 27kgs. If your dog is over 18kgs, youll want to approach them like a large dog to avoid hurting your back. This means getting extra help!

To carry a medium-sized or large dog:

Youll definitely need to know your own strength when it comes to medium and large dogs. Since a medium dog can easily weigh over 18kgs, here is an example of breeds that require extra help. This may be an especially important factor if youre considering what dog is best for you as a solo dog parent!

What You Need To Know

• There are several types of hip arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.
• The causes of hip arthritis vary depending on the type. The most common cause is age-related wear and tear in the hip joint.
• Symptoms of hip arthritis may include pain in or near the hip joint, stiffness, audible clicking sounds when moving the hip, and weakness.
• While hip arthritis is usually a chronic condition, there are treatments to help ease the symptoms and reduce further damage. If your quality of life suffers, surgery such as hip replacement can provide long-term relief.

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Osteoarthritis Of The Spine

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of spinal arthritis. It usually affects the lower back and develops through wear and tear. As the cartilage between the joints slowly breaks down, it leads to inflammation and pain. Because the pain is from mechanical damage, it is typically more noticeable when you bend or twist your back. Past back injuries may also contribute to the development of degenerative arthritis of the spine.

Osteoarthritis of the spine usually affects the facet joints between the vertebrae. It is also known as facet joint arthritis, facet joint syndrome and facet disease. In some cases, degeneration of the spinal discs may contribute to facet joint arthritis. As discs between the vertebrae become thinner, more pressure is transferred to the facet joints. This leads to more friction and more damage to the cartilage.

When these degenerative changes occur in the neck, this condition is called cervical spondylosis. Arthritis in the neck doesnt always cause pain, and many people have no noticeable symptoms.

How To Transport A Dog With Injuries

There are also times when it is better not to pick up your dog at all. This can include when your dog is injured, recovering from surgery, or is pregnant. In this case, call your vet before attempting to move your dog. Your vet will be able to recommend the best way to securely support your dog without worsening their injuries.

In emergency cases, you may need to find a stretcher or flat board that can support your dogs weight. In these cases, please call the emergency clinic ahead of time so that vet techs can help safely transport your dog from your car to the clinic.

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Spinal Arthritis May Contribute To Other Issues In The Spine

Spinal arthritis may cause bone spurs overgrowths on the edges of the bones. In the spine, bone spurs particularly affect facet joints, making them grow larger. This condition is called facet joint hypertrophy. Although bone spurs on their own are not harmful, they may narrow the passages for the spinal cord and the nerves exiting the spine. This may lead to two painful conditions:

• Spinal stenosis compression of the spinal cord inside the spinal canal

• Radiculopathy pinching of the peripheral nerves as they exit the spine

Ankylosing spondylitis may also cause additional problems such as:

• Stress fractures in places where new bone has formed

• Collapsed vertebrae

• A spinal deformity called kyphosis

What Causes Arthritis Of The Knee

Experts have identified some genes that might cause arthritis, including arthritis of the knee. They predict that there are more genes not yet discovered. You could have a gene linked to arthritis without knowing it and a virus or injury could trigger arthritis of the knee.

Though the cause is unknown, some risk factors increase the possibility of arthritis of the knee. Risk factors of osteoarthritis, specifically, include:

• Age. Osteoarthritis happens to older adults more often than younger adults and children.
• Bone anomalies. Youre at a higher risk for osteoarthritis if your bones or joints are naturally crooked.
• Gout. Gout, also a type of inflammatory arthritis, might lead to osteoarthritis.
• Injuries. Knee injuries can cause arthritis of the knee.
• Stress. A lot of stress on your knees from jogging, playing sports or working an active job can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee.
• Weight. Extra weight puts more pressure on your knees.

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Inflammatory Arthritis Vs Osteoarthritis

Arthritis actually describes over 100 different conditions that affect joints and the surrounding tissue. They fall into two main categories: inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis .

Inflammatory arthritis is a systemic disease in which the mechanisms that normally protect your body attack your own joints and tissues instead. The most well-known example is rheumatoid arthritis , which tends to be symmetrical, meaning you’ll have problems in the same joints on both sides of your body, like both wrists or both knees.

The second type of arthritis and the most common form is osteoarthritis. A degenerative disorder, it’s caused by trauma or age-related wear and tear on your joints over time. OA is most likely to affect weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hip, lower spine or big toe, but it can also cause pain and stiffness in your thumb or finger joints.

Here are some early arthritis symptoms that should prompt you to see a medical provider.

1. Pain in a joint. Pain or aching in a joint that gradually becomes worse over time is a classic symptom of arthritis, says Lisa Cannada, M.D., an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Novant Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. The pain may be triggered by activity, or it may set in after activity or at the end of a long day.

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What Can I Do To Make Living With Arthritis Easier

Changing your routine can make living with arthritis easier. Adjust your activities to lessen joint pain. It may help to work with an occupational therapist . An OT is a healthcare provider who specializes in managing physical challenges like arthritis.

An OT may recommend:

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Joint Pain Is A Common Denominator

Arthritis can be separated into two types: inflammatory, such as rheumatoid arthritis , versus mechanical disease , such as osteoarthritis. Both are often characterized by joint-related symptoms. Pain involving joints knees, hips, wrists indicates the problem is arthritis, explains Andrew D. Ruthberg, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Rush Medical College in Chicago. Back pain, neck pain, and joint swelling are also markers of arthritis.

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How Tendonitis Is Treated

There are many ways to ease the pain of tendonitis. Sometimes resting the impacted area and applying ice is enough to do the trick. But additional treatment might include:

Whatever option you and your doctor decide on, you should know that most people fully recover from tendonitis. Sometimes the problem even resolves on its own, though it could take several weeks or even months so plan to be patient.

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Treatment Goals: Manage Pain And Improve Function

Osteoarthritis treatment plans often include exercise, rest and joint care, pain relief, weight control, medicines, surgery, and complementary treatment approaches. Current treatments for osteoarthritis can relieve symptoms such as pain and disability, but there are no treatments that can cure the condition.

Although health care professionals can prescribe or recommend treatments to help you manage your arthritis, the real key to living well with the disease is you. Research shows that people with osteoarthritis who take part in their own care report less pain and make fewer doctor visits. They also enjoy a better quality of life.