Arthritis – Classification and treatment

Arthritis is an ailment that affects joints resulting in acute to chronic pain. Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness or crooked finger joints. Other signs may include redness, warmth, swelling, and a decreased range of motion of the affected joints. Symptoms may come and go. They can be severe, moderate or mild. They may stay about the same, progress, or get worse over the years. Chronic arthritis can result in severe pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs.

Arthritis is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. People of all ages, sexes and races can have arthritis, and it is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have arthritis. It is most common among women and frequently occurs as people get old. Arthritis is the basic cause of disability in the US.

Classification:
Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that is caused due to the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. Unlike other forms of arthritis, in this case, only the joints are affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints.
Gout and PseudoGout – Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by repeated attacks of a red, hot, tender, and swollen joint. Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPPD) disease, also called pyrophosphate arthropathy or pseudogout, is an arthritic disorder with various symptoms and signs arising from the accumulation of crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate in the connective tissues.
Septic arthritis – Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis or joint infection, is the incursion of a joint by an infectious agent which produces arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis- In this type of arthritis, the joints of the spine suffer a long-term inflammation.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – Also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), this is the most prevalent form of arthritis in children and adolescents.
Still’s disease – Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease characterized by persistent high spiking fevers, joint pain, and a distinct salmon-colored bumpy rash.

Treatment:
There is no known cure for Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis. Treatment possibilities vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical therapy, lifestyle changes (involving exercise and weight control) and medications. Studies have shown that the physical exercise of affected joints can noticeably enhance long-term pain relief. Joint replacement surgery may be required in some forms of arthritis. Medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. Various medications are used for the treatment of arthritis. Depending on the form of arthritis, the medications that are given may vary. Since there is no permanent cure to the condition, many consider taking alternative medicine therapy. Dietary control, acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi are a few popular alternative therapies.

    RECENT ARTICLE

  • Outsourcing payroll services
  • Top smartphone deals in the market
  • Here’s how to remove urine stains and odors from mattresses
  • 3 top wireless phone plans to go for

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • 9 tips to secure the best deals with pre-owned Dodge dealerships
    Buying a used car is better than leasing a new one. And there are many ways you can compare the best deals and narrow down the top picks across popular brands. But having multiple options can also make the process confusing, thus affecting the overall negotiation. We’ve compiled together some resourceful car-buying tips for pre-owned Dodge cars to help you make an informed choice. Here are some factors to consider while shopping across Dodge dealerships. Start with a budget Even if you are buying pre-owned Dodge cars, set a flexible budget so you don’t go overboard. This is because you will need some extra money to spruce up the used vehicle to your liking. And we are not talking about cosmetic repairs and maintenance. Rather you’d want to set aside some money to customize the vehicle to perfection before taking it for a spin. Determine a budget, so it will be easier to negotiate the correct prices. Consider the total cost of owning a vehicle while deciding on a budget. Check popular online aggregators Information is readily available online on popular car deal aggregators like Kelly Blue Book, Edmunds, AutoTrader, CarFax, and CarMax, among the top sites. So, you can even compare the deals available across different area codes and browse for trims sold across multiple pre-owned Dodge dealers. This step will help you narrow down and compare popular Dodge RAM 1500 trims where the price difference is visible. Note that even factors like the condition of the refurbished vehicle and the number of miles driven will significantly affect the price. So, it pays to do some research in advance. Go for certified pre-owned Dodge (CPO) dealers With dealerships, you need to be extremely careful while selecting from the available trims. It is better to buy from the same brand dealership because these vehicles undergo extensive checks and repairs. CPO vehicles are worth the investment because any major replacements of critical engine components and accessories are done using factory parts manufactured by the brand. So essentially., you don’t have to worry about the quality and genuineness of the vehicle. Check for warranties Another great advantage of buying with certified pre-owned Dodge dealers is the warranty that you get with the vehicle. CPO vehicles come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty for a certain number of miles to be driven after the vehicle is sold. Different trims of the same car will be eligible for this warranty, which not all dealerships offer. You shouldn’t miss out on these exclusive CPO benefits even if you find a lucrative deal at a non-CPO dealership. Weigh in the pros and cons to make an informative decision. Check prices for all trims and models Sometimes a used premium Dodge RAM 1500 model of 2022 will be cheaper than the latest base trim of the same car in 2023. The year and model of manufacturing makes a lot of difference in the price. So, you have a choice, pay more for an expensive used 2023 model or upgrade to a better 2022 trim for the same price. The decision is purely based on the cosmetic upgrades you can get for the newer and older trims. Verify all the paperwork It doesn’t matter if you buy a new or used one, verify all the paperwork to ensure you get an excellent clean title for the vehicle. And when you buy from certified pre-owned Dodge dealers, paperwork will not be a major hassle as all documents will be available for verification. The original title deed or lease papers for the previous owner, all maintenance and service records, and, most importantly, insurance records are essential documents you must verify before even taking a test drive. Buy at the end of a particular quarter Car salesmen have a quota to meet, be it for new or used vehicles. They are under pressure to move inventory to meet the sales targets before the end of the quarter. So, it is also more likely for you to get a better deal at lower prices for pre-owned Dodge cars. Check the deals online on the official website of the dealership and decide on a quote that you think is fair. The salesperson will do his or her best to accommodate you in the price range because they need to move the inventory. This is a trick that you can use at any used car dealership. Be firm with the negotiations, and feel free to walk away if the salesman is not budging on the price. You will find a number of pre-owned Dodge dealers operating out of multiple area codes within driving distance. Secure used car financing Many certified pre-owned Dodge dealers offer their own exclusive financing options. But you must also compare the best rates available in the market with other national banks, credit unions, community banks, and even lenders online. Check loan comparison websites for APR and tenure, and compare the total cost of vehicle financing. It is beneficial to secure financing ahead of negotiating prices because you can decide on a budget that works best for the available deals. Check additional benefits Buying pre-owned doesn’t necessarily mean you can not get a good deal on accessories and add-ons with the vehicle. You can still ask for accessories and upgrades and negotiate a better price inclusive of these add-ons. There is no harm in asking, even if you negotiate prices for a used vehicle.
  • Smart ideas for small kitchens
    Remember when kitchens used to be large sunny rooms with a table and vast countertops and innumerable shelves? If you are feeling nostalgic at the thought, chances are you live in a compact little apartment or condo, where space management is almost a survival skill. Nevertheless, small spaces are no reason for despair, but are challenges to be met head on. Today, tons of possibilities exist, that could turn your tiny kitchen into a cozy little domestic haven. First things first. Maximize your shelf space. Depending upon the space available and your aesthetic preference, you can decide to choose open shelves or wood- or glass-covered options, but you need those shelves. Don't be afraid to do ceiling-high cabinets. A smart librarian-style rolling ladder will help you reach those upper shelves where you will store items of infrequent use, and the ladder will add a touch of whimsy to your little kitchen. Next, drawers below the countertop. Tiny ones for cutlery, bigger ones for cups and plates, and even a drawer for your trash. We loved a smart idea where a cutting board is fixed a few inches above an open trash bin, with a wide hole in the board to push waste into the bin. Don't let the corners go waste! Clever corner drawers are a reality and you need them more than anyone else. If you are really obsessive about this, you can plan a slender drawer in the tiny space between the side of the fridge and wall, where you can stack your spice jars. If you can manage an island, that's terrific. Maximize the storage possibilities under the island “ fill it with drawers and open shelves. Another important rule- everything needs to stack. You can plan for seating for two if you have stools that can stack into grooves in the island. While on the theme, consider a fold-away table that props up from the wall or from the free ends of the counter top. To create a more airy and open kitchen, it is a good idea to have it opening caf-style into the living room. The ledge can then be stone topped, with smart bar stools on the other side. While doing all this, don't ignore the aesthetics. Paint your kitchen a bright, cheery color, or choose the right wallpaper or paneling to recreate a rustic or retro look, if that appeals to you. A tastefully appointed vase with fresh flowers goes a long way to bring cheer. See what works for you, and have fun doing up your tiny kitchen!
  • Tips to choose a good men’s deodorant
    It is not an unknown fact that the deodorant manufacturing industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry with consumers spending $18 billion on it per year as it has become an essential part of our lives. There are so many brands offering a vast variety of deodorants, and it is quite difficult to choose a good deodorant that works well for you. While a few choices may be a hit, a few can be disastrous. So, before taking the plunge here is a quick account to help you choose the best men deodorant. Deodorant or antiperspirant? Most consumers cannot find a good fragrance that works for them simply because they do not know the difference between a deodorant and antiperspirant. A deodorant keeps body odor in check by eliminating bacteria found in sweat. On the other hand, an antiperspirant keeps odor in check by slowing down the sweating process, by stopping the sweat glands and keeping sweat from reaching the skin. So, before you head towards purchasing the best men antiperspirant or deodorant, find out which one actually works for you. If you are not someone who perspires profusely and sweating is not really an issue for you, then you should avoid using an antiperspirant. Your aim should be to choose the best men deodorant. On the contrary, some people sweat profusely to a point that their shirt in the underarm region is drenched in sweat. This not only leads to bad body odor but also is also quite embarrassing. In such a case the best option is to use the best antiperspirants for men. Best of both worlds? The majority of deodorants manufactured today come in combo offers. This means that you have a product which is partially a deodorant and partially an antiperspirant. You might want to stay away from such products if you are looking for just a deodorant. This is because antiperspirants have certain drawbacks. The aluminum content in antiperspirants leave yellow stains on your clothes, and they also lead to excess sweating since the blocking of sweat glands can cause the glands to open up when the product is not in use. Consider a deo spray If you are looking for the best men deodorants, then consider the bottled sprays. Sprays dry up quickly, and their effect lasts much longer. Also, due to the stiff competition between brands, deodorants are no longer as expensive as they once used to be. Cheaper variants are available today without a compromise on quality. Check the ingredients While looking for the best men deodorant search for deodorants that are not too strong in fragrance. Just like other products such as detergents, soaps, shampoos and perfumes even deodorants have fragrance. This fragrance irritates the skin, even more so if you happen to shave your armpits. The stronger the fragrance in deodorant, the more irritating it shall be to the skin. A good sign to look out for in your quest for the best men deodorant is low alcohol content. Most deodorants have a high alcohol content to serve as a propellant and antimicrobial agent. This can really dry out and irritate the skin of those men who already have very dry or sensitive skin. Go natural There is a huge trend of going natural these days, and the sale of natural products seems to be on a steady rise. It is a good idea to search for good natural deodorants since these contain natural elements and herbs. They are very mild and can be good for the skin texture while eliminating odor effectively. Since natural products do not work for everyone, you will have to try a few out and see for yourself if natural deodorants work for you. You cannot deny that deodorants are an important aspect of men’s grooming. Choosing the one that suits you does make a huge difference. So, go for the one that is apt for you.
  • Tips on buying a good gazebo design
    Gazebos are the perfect way to expand your living space and enjoy your outdoor area. They are suitable for leisure as well as entertainment and amplify the appeal of your garden. These freestanding structures may be permanent or temporary to suit your need and pocket. Here are a few things you need to look out for before buying a gazebo for yourself:
    • Be sure of the purpose that you need the gazebo for. Do you want it merely for lounging or outdoor living or do you want to make it into poolside entertainment area? Where you want to place the gazebo is very important as the size and design would depend on it.
    • Building a gazebo can range anywhere between $100 to over $1500 depending on the type that you want to make.
    • They can be built in octagonal, hexagonal, square or even oval shape and depends mostly on your usage. For example, a rectangular or square gazebo is preferred for hot tubs whereas hexagonal or multi-sided gazebos are preferred for outdoor living spaces or wedding receptions.
    • The different types of material used for building gazebos include:
    • Wood: It provides the traditional and rustic charm and is suitable for preferably large gardens in areas that do not receive too much rain.
    • Vinyl: It has become more popular in recent times as it is maintenance free and provides attractive design options.
    • Metal or aluminum frame and cloth: Mostly preferred as a temporary or more affordable option, they can be easily built from gazebo kits available in stores. They are easily available in various shapes with smaller ones generally in a square and the larger ones in rectangular shape.Pre-fabricated and ready to install gazebos are available on Wallmart and Amazon at great prices. Retailers like the Fifthroom, Target Brands, Garden Winds and American Gardens also provide great options that can be customized to your needs.
  • What are the types of esophagitis
    An inflammation of the esophagus is termed as esophagitis, and it can be a tremendously painful condition. This ailment comprises a range of symptoms such as nausea, muscle aches, headaches, trouble swallowing food, heartburn, sore throat, cough, mouth sores, cough, chest pain, etc. For treating esophagitis, it is crucial to get a medical diagnosis as there are different causes of inflammation, so the treatment options are tailored too. Esophagitis is commonly examined via endoscopy, Barium x-rays, lab tests and allergy tests. To help you understand esophagitis better, here are some primary types of esophagitis.
    • Infectious esophagitis This type of inflammation of the esophagus is quite unusual and occurs due to bacterial, fungal or viral attacks in the esophagus. These can easily spread to the esophagus via throat, stomach or mouth. People who have a fragile immune system are prone to infectious esophagitis. So it is more common in individuals suffering from pre-existing conditions such as cancer, diabetes or HIV. Some of the typical causes of infectious esophagitis are candida, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, mucormycosis, aspergillosis, etc.
    • Eosinophilic esophagitis This condition occurs when numerous white blood cells accumulate causing inflammation of the esophagus. Frequently observed in patients who are suffering from allergies, it is triggered by foods such as peanuts, milk, beans, soy, wheat, eggs, etc. Allergens such pollens can also lead to the onset of eosinophilic esophagitis.
    • Drug-induced esophagitis Certain type of medications can cause this kind of esophagitis. It can happen because of low intake of water, which makes the pill linger in the esophagus for a long time. These hovering drugs can eventually cause inflammation of the esophagus. In some cases, they might also cause ulcers. Some of the common forms of oral drugs that can cause esophagitis are painkillers, antibiotics, bisphosphonates, etc.
    • Reflux esophagitis It is caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition where the consumed food along with the gastric acids backs up into the esophagus from the stomach. This can lead to chronic inflammation of the esophagus.
    Based on the diagnosis, the doctor will recommend you with the most viable treatments. These could include OTC drugs, proton pump inhibitors, prescribed medications, oral steroids, surgeries, dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes. Patients with a healthy body can recover within a month. On the other hand, people with a weak immune system might take longer to recuperate. Remember, if inflammation of the esophagus is left untreated then it can cause irreversible damage to the lining of your esophagus, generate ulcers or even constrict the esophageal tube.
  • Here’s how to choose the best Medicare Supplement plans
    Most people opt for Original Medicare, which is Part A and Part B. However, the Original Medicare plan tends to leave a gap in your coverage, and therefore, you may have to deal with many out-of-pocket costs. That’s when the best Medicare Supplement plans come in handy. These supplement plans help to fill in the gap between the Original Medicare coverage and the actual cost incurred. In order to choose the best Medicare Supplement plans, you need to know how to choose the right plan among the variety that is available. As the best Medicare plan will vary from person to person, below are some key factors that will help you to choose from the best Medicare Supplement plans. Know your options A Medicare Supplement plan is also known as Medigap. These plans are sold through private insurance companies. The purpose of the Medicare Supplement plans is to help fill the gap that is left after the Original Medicare benefits are applied. One in four people on Medicare choose a Medigap plan that helps them with their healthcare costs. There are 11 types of Medicare Supplement plans, which include Plan A, B, C, D, E, F, F+, G, K, L, M, and N. The same standardized benefits must be included in all the supplement plans. However, the different types of Medicare Supplement plans offer different levels of coverage, for example, Plan N offers different coverage than Plan F. Medigap policies cannot be canceled for health reasons as long as you pay the premiums, this is because the policies are guaranteed renewable. Know the inclusions and exclusions All the Medicare Supplement plans cover the basic benefits like coinsurance charges through Plan A, co-payments and coinsurance through Medicare Plan B, as well as the first three pints of blood needed due to a medical procedure, and hospice care co-payments. Most Medicare Supplement plans do not cover long-term care, vision, private-duty nursing, prescriptions, dental, and vision. In order to choose the best Medicare Supplement plan, you may consider your requirements and purpose of availing of the plan. Read on to know the different plans suitable to different people. The one who travels a lot If you are one of those people who travel a lot, you would want to select a plan that offers foreign travel emergency coverage while you are traveling abroad. The best Medicare Supplement plans for you will be Plan C, D. F, N, G, and M as these plans pay 80% of qualifying emergency care in foreign countries. The foreign travel coverage is applicable when you meet your $250 annual deductible. The one who needs help with the Part B costs Plan C or F may be the best Medicare Supplement plan for you if you find it difficult to meet your Part B deductibles. Both the plans will provide help in paying for the Part B deductibles. Additionally, Plan F will help in covering the Part B excess charge. It means that Plan F will help with the payment between the Medicare-approved amount and the maximum a doctor can charge. While all Medicare Supplement plans do offer certain coverage for Part B co-payments and coinsurance, Plan K only covers 50% and Plan L only covers 75%. The one who wants an out-of-pocket limit An out-of-limit plan means that you are protected after you have spent a certain amount. The best Medicare Supplement plans for you will be Plan K and L as they provide a 100% coverage. After you have spent $5,120, Plan K covers 100% and after you have spent $2,560, Plan L provides 100% coverage. The one who wants the maximum coverage Plan F is the best Medicare Supplement plan if you want maximum coverage. Of all the people who use Medicare, 66% choose Plan F as their Medicare Supplement plan. It provides the most comprehensive coverage of all the Medicare plans. Except for foreign emergency care, people with Plan F are covered with all the supplemental benefits of Medicare.