3-18: Arthritis

Question 1

Distinguish among the three major forms of arthritis.

Answer 1

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small joints of the hands and feet, the wrists, knees, ankles and neck. The immune system attacks the thin membranes surrounding the joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
• Osteoarthritis affects 20 million Americans; it is a degenerative disorder in which the cartilage in the joints begins to crack and wear away because of overuse, injury, or other causes. It mostly affects the hips, knees, and spine.
• Gout is more prevalent in males (9-to-1) and is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, due to the kidneys’ inability to excrete it. Uric acid forms crystals that can become lodged in the joints. Alcohol, diet, weight, and lack of exercise are all risk factors.

Question 2

Identify the common treatments for RA, osteoarthritis, and gout.

Answer 2

• Rheumatoid arthritis: aspirin (which relieves both pain and inflammation), rest, supervised exercise, stress management, pain management, biofeedback, relaxation, and social skills training.
• Osteoarthritis: weight loss, aspirin, exercise, anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., steroids), and surgery.
• Gout: limiting alcohol intake, dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, increasing consumption of water and other (non-alcoholic) fluids).

Question 3

arthritis

Answer 3

Inflammation of a joint; it refers to more than 100 diseases that attack the joints or other connective tissues.

Question 4

rheumatoid arthristis

Answer 4

A crippling form of arthritis believed to result from an autoimmune process, usually attacking the small joints of the hands, feet, wrists, knees, ankles, and neck.

Question 5

osteoarthritis

Answer 5

A form of arthritis that results when articular cartilage begins to crack or wear away because of overuse of a particular joint; may also result from injury or other causes; usually affects the weight-bearing joints and is common among athletes and the elderly.

Question 6

gout

Answer 6

A form of arthritis produced by a buildup of uric acid in the body, producing crystals that become lodged in the joints; the most commonly affected area is the big toe.