Arthritis & Osteoporosis

What is arthritis

It is a condition that includes a number of diseases that results in inflammation, pain & stiffness, primarily in the joints and connective tissues.

Connective tissues are supporting structures for joints, such as muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.

3 major forms of arthritis 

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Gout

a) Osteoarthritis

It occurs when the cartilage (which normally cushions the joint and protects it from impact) erodes.

b) Rheumatoid arthritis

It is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by synovitis, inflammation of the membrane that lines the body’s joints.

c) Gout

It is caused by the presence of too much uric acid in the blood that results in the deposition of uric acid crystals in and around the joints of the body.

Symptoms

Pain, sensations of swelling and stiffness in or near the

joints especially in the morning.

Limited joint functions and increased pain with movement.

Fatigue, a feeling of weakness & loss of appetite.

Signs

Joint swelling

Joint redness

Joint warmth

Joint deformity

Loss of joint motion

Osteoporosis

Is the decrease in the density of bone mass resulting in bones that are porous, brittle and easily fractured

2 main causes of osteoporosis

Type l: Occurs only in post-menopausal women due to estrogen deficiency.

Type ll: Occurs in both men and women due to aging and calcium deficiency over many years

 Symptoms 

Persistent lower back pain.

Loss of height

Curving of the spine giving the individual a hunchback look.

True Story