Arthritis – Is it for life?
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Loading ...In this article, we will explore the symptoms, types and methods of diagnosis available for this condition.
I’m sure you have heard the term, but do you know what it means? So here are the clues to determine if it is arthritis you have.
If you have progressive stiffness without noticeable swellings, chills or fever during normal activities, it is a probable indication of osteoarthritis.
Painful swelling, inflammation and stiffness in the arms, legs, wrists or fingers in the same joints on both sides of the body are probably a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Fever, joint inflammation, tenderness and sharp pain, sometimes accompanied by chills and associated with injuries and other illnesses may be a signs of infectious arthritis.
If your child has intermittent fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, blotchy rashes on arms and legs, then we are probably seeing symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
You may wonder how one can tell the types of arthritis apart, as they all seem to be coming with similar symptoms. Well, this is where your physician and laboratory tests come in to play. Usually, blood tests are able to determine and confirm rheumatoid arthritis conditions as suffers will have a type of antibodies known as Rheumatoid Factors (RF) in their blood. However, it is important to remember that RF can also be present in other disorders. When it comes to osteoarthritis, x-rays are used to detect shrunken joints or calcification at the end of bones. If you are suspected to be suffering from infectious arthritis, the usual procedure is to test a sample fluid from the affected joint, which can at times be a very painful process.
So if you find yourself suffering from any of the above mentioned symptoms, seek medical advice immediately to get in to early treatment. Living with arthritis can be very painful if not treated early.
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