Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness of the joints. It sometimes also causes redness or swelling. In severe cases, joints may become deformed.

There are different kinds of arthritis. Two common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of other forms of arthritis include gout and arthritis that occurs after an injury or with certain infections, such as gonorrhea.

Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of the cartilage cushioning in joints. It can also cause the bones in joints to become rough. Osteoarthritis occurs most often in weight-bearing joints, such as the spine, knees, and hips. It also often affects the fingers. Symptoms of osteoarthritis begin to appear by middle age. Most people over age 60 have some osteoarthritis, although they may not have symptoms. Osteoarthritis is more likely to occur in joints that have been injured and in the joints of overweight people.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease affecting the lining of the joints. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's defenses against infection attack the body's own tissue. It causes inflammation (redness and swelling), stiffness, and deformity, especially in the joints of the hands, arms, and feet, but can affect other parts of your body including connective tissues and the tissues surrounding organs. Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, but most often shows up between the ages of 35 and 50.

Possible symptoms of arthritis include:

· mild to severe pain in joints

· joint swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth

· stiffness and limited movement, especially in the mornings

· deformed joints

Your doctor will review your medical history and examine you. Your doctor may order blood tests and x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and measure the extent of the disease.

Controlling your weight will reduce strain on weight-bearing joints. Exercise can improve muscle strength, build stamina and allow joints to move better. Sometimes severely damaged hips and knees are surgically replaced.

The aim of treatment is to keep the joints working properly by relieving the pain and stiffness and by reducing any swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually the first choice for medication. Anti-inflammatories (for example, aspirin and ibuprofen) and steroids are also often used. There are new medicines, called COX 2 inhibitors, which target the chemicals that cause swelling, but these drugs are currently restricted. Your doctor will prescribe the medication that is best for your particular kind of arthritis.

Article courtesy Soldotna Professional Pharmacy