Arthritis and rheumatism describe many different diseases, but the features that they all share are pain, swelling, and interference in the normal movement of either one or more joints. Some kinds of arthritis affect only one joint, whereas others affect many simultaneously. Some are more common in older people, and others are rare in people of all ages. Many older people often assume that their aches and pains are the result of arthritis, and that arthritis is a natural consequence of aging. Both of these assumptions are far from the truth.
The most common type of arthritis in the older individual is osteoarthritis, which usually affects one joint at a time, although many joints can gradually become involved. Some studies suggest that this condition affects from 15 to 25 percent of people over the age of 65. Osteoarthritis is caused by a gradual but progressive wearing down of the usually smooth covering (cartilage) of the joint bones. The cause of the destruction is not completely known: in some people it appears to be the result of a previous injury or trauma; in others it appears for no apparent reason. The end result, however, is that the joint surfaces become painful when they move. Often, the large joints that support much of the body’s weight become affected first, frequently the hips, knees, and back. Sometimes it affects the smaller joints of the hands and feet. The joint becomes swollen as opposing bones become widened and fluid accumulates. If the joint is badly damaged, it may not move or support weight properly, and this can interfere with walking or bending. Sometimes a joint that is affected but not uncomfortable may suddenly become swollen and painful as the result of inflammation or infection. This must be treated immediately.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs less commonly for the first time in the older person, but if you have suffered from this illness during your younger years, it may continue to afflict you as you grow older. This illness can affect many parts of the body simultaneously, in addition to the joints. More than one joint is usually involved, often the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet, neck, and jaw. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis develop fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and heart and lung problems. The joints, however, are the most obvious and painful focus of the disease.
The course of rheumatoid arthritis varies: some people contract a severe case in the beginning; for others it may be mild and create little disability. The symptoms may come and go, with severe bouts followed by long periods of comfort, which are again aggravated by episodes of pain and poor health. Unfortunately, self-diagnosis and treatment for arthritis symptoms is common. This can interfere with a proper assessment and a well-designed plan of treatment, which often results in great improvement and relief of symptoms.
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