ARTHRITIS: WHY DO MY JOINTS HURT?😣

*Arthritis*

Arthritis is one of the leading diseases over the world, especially in elderly individuals.

It is an inflammatory disease of the joint, otherwise known as the inflammation of joints. This usually makes movement of bones and muscles around the joint difficult and painful. Thee are generally more than 100 types of arthritis. However the two most common types are:

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis develops over time in most cases, but it can also appear suddenly in certain cases. This disease condition is more common in female than male. And it is peculiar to the elderly people around 65, although children, teenagers and young adults may be affected too.

*There are 2 main types of arthritis*

1)Osteoarthritis

2)Rheumatoid arthritis

The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis has to do with the joints;

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness of skin

• Stiffness

• Muscle weakness/ decreased range of motion

• Fatigue

• Bony outgrowths from fingers or toes.

*Complications*

Arthritis can affect your hands and this may affect your daily tasks, severe arthritis can also affect your movement and posture. It may even go as far as twisting your joints.

*Causes*

*Osteoarthritis* - It's the most common type of arthritis which involves a damage on the cartilage of a joint thereby restricting movement.

*Rheumatoid arthritis*

In this type of arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the membrane covering of a joint, this then leads to a swelling of that area and

it can damage the joint.

*Treatment*

1) Use of analgesics (Pain relievers) to reduce the pain on the joints.

2) Use of Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation and decrease pain sensation.

3) Use of ointments and liniments that are anti inflammatory.

4) Surgery can also be carried out as a therapy, to replace a damaged joint or fix it.

*Contraindications on use of pain relievers for treatment of arthritis*

1) When there are liver problems.

2) Severe renal impairment

3) Paracetamol overdose

4) It's not advisable for patients with hepatitis C virus.

* For the NSAIDs some dosage forms are available as creams and can therefore escape absorption in the GIT.

Use of NSAIDs in patients with ulcers should be avoided.

Over the counter arthritis formula are available for use also. They include Arthocare and Arthocare fort®, Bone care®, etc.

Any or a combination of the methods of treatment above can be used to treat Arthritis depending on the type and severity.

While it is very common to see medical personnel managing arthritis with shots of corticosteroid injections, while this provides temporary relief, on the long run, it aids rapid progression of the arthritis, the patient is predisposed to cartilage degeneration, Tendon weakening or rupture, tissue necrosis and even joint infection.

Rather than these corticosteroids, intra articular shots of high molecular weight Hyaluronic acid such as Hyalgan ® Injection are better and more effective means of managing patients with osteoarthritis relieving pain and inflammation for up to 6months - 1 year (With zero adverse effects) following each Therapy.

Consult your Doctor or Pharmacist to know what will work best for you.

By Nagudia Gregory A. And Adepoju Olubola