Arthritis: Difference between revisions

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{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}
==Medical History and Physical Examination==
All arthritides feature [[Pain and nociception|pain]]. Patterns of pain differ among the arthritides and the location.
[[Osteoarthritis]] is classically worse at night or following rest. [[Rheumatoid arthritis]] is generally worse in the morning; in the early stages, patients often do not have symptoms following their morning shower. In elderly people and children, pain may not be the main feature, and the patient simply moves less (elderly) or refuses to use the affected limb (children).
Elements of the history of the pain (onset, number of joints and which involved, duration, aggravating and relieving factors) all guide diagnosis. Also, the nails beds turning a grey color, is associated with arthritis. Physical examination typically confirms diagnosis. Radiographs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner.
[[Blood test]]s and [[X-ray]]s of the affected joints often are performed to make the diagnosis.
Screening blood tests may be indicated if certain arthritides are suspected. This may include: [[rheumatoid factor]], [[antinuclear factor]] (ANF), [[extractable nuclear antigen]] and specific antibodies.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Extra-articular features of joint disease <ref>Swash, M, Glynn, M.(eds). 2007. Hutchison's Clinical Methods. Edinburgh. Saunders Elsevier.</ref>
|-
| cutaneous nodules
|-
| cutaneous vasculitic lesions
|-
| [[lymphadenopathy]]
|-
| [[oedema]]
|-
| ocular inflammation
|-
| [[urethritis]]
|-
| [[tenosynovitis]] (tendon sheath effusions)
|-
| [[bursitis]] (swollen bursa)
|-
| [[diarrhea]]
|-
| oral and genital ulceration
|}
[[Blood test]]s and [[X-ray]]s of the affected joints often are performed to make the diagnosis. Screening blood tests are indicated if certain arthritides are suspected. These might include: [[rheumatoid factor]], [[antinuclear factor]] (ANF), [[extractable nuclear antigen]], and specific antibodies.


== Differential Diagnosis of Joint Pain==  
== Differential Diagnosis of Joint Pain==  

Revision as of 14:28, 28 February 2013

Arthritis

Arthritis Main Page

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Classification

Causes

Differentrial Diagnosis

For patient information, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Differential Diagnosis of Joint Pain

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

In general, studies have shown that physical exercising of the affected joint can have noticeable improvement in terms of long-term pain relief. Furthermore, exercising of the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.[1]

Another form of non-drug treatment that does have a body of proper research to support its efficacy is marine oil, from both fish and the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). Diets high in marine oils from cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna have been shown to reduce the inflammation of joint conditions such as arthritis. Massage on joints with neem oil has reported improvement in chronic and acute cases.

References

External links


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Template:Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue

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