Arthritis

• Effects of arthritis include:

  Joint stiffness

  Joint pain

  Swelling

  Tenderness

  Loss of flexibility

  Decreased range of motion
• Causes of arthritis:

  Wear and tear of joints

  Repeated stress to joints

  Being overweight

  Infections and immunity attack
• Treatments to arthritis include:

  Medications

  Heat and cold

  Joint immobilization

  Massage
• Short-term pain relief includes pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs.
• Pain may be eased by moist or dry heat.
• Moist heat is by bath or water.
• Dry heat is by heating pad.
• Pain and swelling may be reduced by cold compress.
• Hot compress is for increased blood flow.
• Cold compress is for decreased blood flow.
• Splint or brace helps the joint rest and protect it.
• Light massage of painful muscles increase blood flow and provide warmth.
• Osteoarthritis is wear and tear of joints.
• Rheumatic arthritis is when the immune system attacks healthy cells.
• Gout is when uric acid crystals form and inflame 1 joint at a time.
• Childhood arthritis is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Childhood arthritis can cause permanent physical damage.
• Psoriatic arthritis is when the immune system becomes overactive, causing inflammation.
• Fibromyalgia is when the whole body becomes sore.
• Arthritis usually worsens with age.
• Arthritis is the swelling of joints.