Arthritis

Many people of all ages suffer from arthritis. It is estimated that forty million Americans have arthritis. Most arthritis patients are women, but men are also affected by this painful disease. A number of treatments are available for arthritis, but the method of treatment will vary depending on the specific type of arthritis. Our orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat all types of arthritis in Tucson, AZ.

The term arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Inflammation generally includes symptoms of redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Many different diseases can result in inflammation of the joints. Arthritis is therefore a general term that describes more than one hundred different diseases of the joints.

Anatomy of the Joint

Your joints are designed to minimize stress and damage while you move. Nearly all joints of the body are synovial joints. Most synovial joints occur where two bones come together and must rub against one another to allow motion. Smooth articular cartilage covers the end of the bones so they don't rub together.

Synovial fluid lubricates the joint. Around the joint, connective tissue forms a watertight sack that is called the joint capsule. Small, fluid-filled sacks, called bursae, cushion parts of the joint. A problem with any one of these parts can lead to arthritis.

What Causes Arthritis?

Determining the cause of arthritis can be difficult, because several factors can contribute to the development of the disease. Arthritis is most likely to occur in genetically susceptible people. However, some types of arthritis are the result of wear-and-tear on joint tissue. Over time, the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones in joints becomes damaged or worn away.

Sports injuries can lead to the development of arthritis. A bad sprain or fracture can cause damage to articular cartilage and other joint components. This type of arthritis is classified as post-traumatic arthritis. Trauma means injury, and the term post-traumatic is used to describe a condition that develops after an injury.

Symptoms of arthritis may occur suddenly or develop slowly over time. Because arthritis causes joint inflammation, most arthritic conditions involve chronic (long-term) pain. Any joint can be affected, including knees, hips, neck, shoulders, toes and fingers. When left untreated, arthritis continues to damage the joints.

Types of Arthritis

There are two well-recognized types of arthrits: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can attack muscle and connective tissue around joints. This type is considered an autoimmune disease that may even damage other organs of the body, such as the kidneys, intestines, and heart. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a more common form of arthritis that is associated with getting older. This type of arthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease.