Western-Arthritis

Question 1

Gout

Answer 1

Painful swelling of the joint, w/ chills & fever. More often in men than women. After menopause, gout is more often seen in women.

Hyperuricaemia: increased level of uric acid in blood

Gouty arthritis: hyperuricaemia leads to microscopic crystals affecting the joint. Chalk colored nodules around joints are called tophi.

Question 2

Psoriatic Arthritis

Answer 2

Often associated w/ psoriasis of the skin. Skin has red patches or rough, scaly type of rash on knees, elbows & scalp. Rashes consists of red or silvery gray, scaly patches on skin. (treated w/ NSAIDS).

Question 3

Lyme’s Disease

Answer 3

Caused by ticks. Completely round (bullseye). (Western Blot Test, ELISA, antibiotics).

Sx: flu-like conditions, malaise, fatigue, chills & fever, stiff neck, HA, backache.

Question 4

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Answer 4

Chronic inflammation of synovial membranes, w/ secondary erosion of cartilage & bones & damage to tendons & ligaments.

Hands: PIP, MCP. Feet: MTP, knobby bumbs on knees & arms, elbows, knees.

Sx: Weakness, fatigue, wt loss, low fever.

Question 5

Osteoarthritis

Answer 5

Degeneration & progressive loss of cartilage w/in joints, damage to underlying bone & formation of new bone at margins of cartilage.

Knees, hips, hands (DIP, PIP), cervical lumbar spine, wrist.

Sx: No general symptoms.