What is Arthritis?

Definitions

The word arthritis comes from Greek:
arthros- = joint and -itis = inflammation.

So, arthritis really means inflammation of the joint.

However, arthritis is not a single condition. There are well over 150 kinds of arthritis, all of which affect one or more joints in the body, and some of these forms of arthritis do not involve any inflammation.

What are the symptoms of Arthritis?

• Swelling in one or more joints
• Early morning stiffness for more than a few minutes
• Recurring pain or tenderness in a joint, or inability to move it normally
• Obvious redness or warmth in a joint
• Unexpected weight loss, fever or weakness combined with joint pain

What are the common types of Arthritis?

Some of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and gout. Although each of these diseases can affect individual people differently, each follows a general pattern that separates it from the others. The National Arthritis Foundation has brochures with more details on the many different types of arthritis.

Who Gets Arthritis?

There is a widely held misconception that arthritis (or rheumatism) is "something that happens to old people, which makes them a bit sore".

Anyone from as young as six months of age can develop arthritis. Most people however will develop it between age 15 and 65 - "the productive years".

What are the factors that can lead to Arthritis?

Age. Your risk of developing arthritis depends on your age. Arthritis is the leading cause of physical disability among adults 18 years of age and older, with OA being the most common form of arthritis in this age group.

Gender. In general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men. Before age 45, OA occurs more frequently in men; after age 45, OA is more common in women. RA also occurs much more frequently in women than in men. About two to three times as many women as men have RA.

Obesity. Obesity increases the chances of getting OA, particularly for women. There is a clear link between obesity and the development of OA of the knee in women. Diet and exercise can help with weight control and minimize the stress on weight-bearing joints, such as your knees.

Work factors. Work-related repetitive injury and physical trauma contribute to the development of OA. If you have a strenuous job that requires repetitive bending, kneeling, or squatting, you are at high risk for OA of the knee.

What are the different forms of treatment?

There are ranges of treatment options available to assist with management of arthritis:

• Traditional medication
• Alternative therapies
• Exercise
• Diet

Should People With Arthritis Exercise?

Yes. Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.

What Types of Exercise Are Most Suitable for Someone With Arthritis?

Three types of exercise are best for people with arthritis:

• Range-of-motion exercises (e.g., dance) help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility.

• Strengthening exercises (e.g., weight training) help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.

• Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., bicycle riding) improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints. Some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints.

Are There Different Exercises for People With Different Types of Arthritis?

There are many types of arthritis. Experienced doctors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists can recommend exercises that are particularly helpful for a specific type of arthritis. Doctors and therapists also know specific exercises for particularly painful joints. There may be exercises that are off-limits for people with a particular type of arthritis or when joints are swollen and inflamed. People with arthritis should discuss their exercise plans with a doctor. Doctors who treat people with arthritis include rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, general practitioners, family doctors, internists, and rehabilitation specialists (physiatrists).

How Much Exercise Is Too Much?

Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it is too strenuous. People with arthritis should work with their physical therapist or doctor to adjust their exercise program when they notice any of the following signs of strenuous exercise:

• Unusual or persistent fatigue
• Increased weakness
• Decreased range of motion
• Increased joint swelling
• Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1 hour after exercising)

Are there any kinds of food that I should avoid when I have arthritis?

If you are suffering from common kinds of arthritis (like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis) you do not need any special diet. A dietician will be able to provide you with more detailed advice. Prawns are not believed to worsen arthritis, so there is no need to avoid them.

Are there any kinds of food that I should eat more of?

Naturally, eating a good balanced meal is important for all patients with arthritis. General advice includes taking a diet high in vegetable fibre, low in unsaturated fats and high in calcium.

Can food cause arthritis?

Generally speaking, food does not cause arthritis However, one type, called “reactive arthritis” can start after an episode of food poisoning but this is due to the bacteria in the food rather than the food itself.

What do you think of traditional food supplement like bird’s nest, tree fungus, lingzhi and essense of chicken?

There is no evidence they can improve your arthritis. As they generally do not cause harm and are part of our culture, we do not advise against consuming them. It is advisable to inform your doctor of the type of food supplement you are consuming. However do not stop taking the medicines your doctor has prescribed to you.