What is Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition where the joints throughout the body become damaged causing pain. There are many different types of arthritis, Rheumatoid, Psoriatic and Autoimmune are forms of arthritis where the body actually attacks and sets out to damage itself. Septic arthritis is caused by a joint infection and Gouty arthritis is caused by a deposit of uric acid crystals that cause inflammation. Lastly, Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can happen after an injury or infection to the joint.

Unfortunately all forms of arthritis have pain as a symptom. Each person is a different case and pain patterns will vary from person to person. People who suffer from Osteoarthritis may suffer more from pain at night or after a long period of rest. While patients who have Rheumatoid arthritis will have more pain in the morning. If you are in the early stages of this condition most sufferers will experience more pain after a shower. Elderly and children who suffer from arthritis may experience some pain but it may not be the main symptom.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Arthritis

In order to get diagnosed the doctor will question you as to the pain history you have been feeling such as how many of the joints you are feeling the pain in, how long the pain lasts and what invokes the pain and what takes it away. Then you will undergo a physical exam to determine the extent of the damage . Radiographs are used by the doctor to determine the severity of the condition. Blood tests and X Rays may be included.

One misconception about this condition is that people who have crackling joints may feel that it is really is arthritis but it is two separate conditions. The crackling joints is when the fluid that protects the joints is pushed out and the cracking sound you hear is a high pressure of fluid. It is always important to get checked out when you don?t feel your best. In some arthritis cases, simple over the counter medication will help relieve the symptoms but in cases more severe there are medications and other forms of treatment.

Contact your doctor right away if you begin to feel aches and pains in your hands, elbows, neck, feet or knees. You want to make sure that you get it diagnosed sooner rather than later. Get the right diagnoses and get started on treatment.