Although Pain Is A Common Symptom, Autoimmune Arthritis May Differ From Other Types Of Arthritis
Arthritis takes away an individual’s ability to move without pain. Pegasus skilled in-home caregivers in Moorpark and elsewhere provide the assistance that their clients need. Career home health care nurses know that autoimmune arthritis may differ from other types.
Arthritis causes pain and stiffness in an individual’s joints. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as the knees. Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones.
The cartilage provides a smooth surface to keep the bones from rubbing on each other. The protective cartilage deteriorates due to age, disease, or injury.
Along with cartilage, synovial fluid lubricates most joints. As a person ages, the quantity and quality of synovial fluid decrease. Damaged cartilage and poor synovial production are sources of arthritic pain.
Arthritis Is More Than One Disease
There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Millions of adults and thousands of children have arthritis. Although the symptoms are different for each type, common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Redness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth
- Weakness
The symptoms may occur sporadically, or they may be chronic.
Osteoarthritis, the most common type, is often referred to as “wear and tear.” The cartilage has worn away. Bone grating against bone causes pain.
Most of the other types of arthritis are autoimmune diseases. They are inflammatory and cause pain in muscles, joints, and fibrous tissues.
Researchers have not yet discovered what causes the immune system to overreact. Risk factors include:
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Specific medications
Autoimmune conditions are sometimes called rheumatic diseases.
Arthritis Affects Mental And Physical Health
An individual’s mental health can suffer as the result of an autoimmune disease. Most know they’ll be living with pain and inflammation for the rest of their lives. That, combined with the loss of their physical ability, leaves many depressed.
Arthritis can lead to social isolation for some of your patients. You can help them find ways to describe their condition to others, so they’re more comfortable being with people. You may need to arrange for counseling in some cases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Is The Most Common Autoimmune Arthritis
The autoimmune types of arthritis include the following:
- Ankylosing spondylitis: AS inflames the spine. As it progresses, the vertebrae may fuse. It affects more men than women and usually occurs before the age of 45. The usual cause is an inherited gene mutation.
- Axial spondyloarthritis: It occurs more frequently in younger men than in women or older adults. It’s a source of chronic pain in an individual’s back and pelvic joints. Joints may fuse and result in ankylosing spondylitis.
- Gout: Individuals tend to think gout only affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Gout is a common type of arthritis, and it’s a source of intense pain. Too much uric acid in the body allows needle-sharp urate crystals to accumulate in the joint.
- Juvenile arthritis: It affects children 16 years of age and younger. The term includes several inflammatory conditions affecting a child’s joints.
- Palindromic rheumatism: Also known as Hench-Rosenberg syndrome or Hench’s syndrome. It’s rare and causes sudden and painful joint inflammation. It may last for hours or days, then goes away. The next episode may occur within days or not occur for months. Usually, there are no symptoms between episodes, and it’s unknown what triggers the next episode. It primarily affects fingers, knees, and wrists. It may progress to rheumatoid arthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Although it often occurs in individuals with psoriasis, the psoriasis may occur after the arthritis develops. It usually affects the fingers and toes.
- Reactive arthritis: Also known as Reiter’s disease. It’s caused by a bacterial infection and usually affects the ankles, feet, and knees. It may also affect your patient’s eyes, skin, and urethra. It is rarer than some other forms of arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common autoimmune arthritis. It destroys the synovial fluid. It often starts in the fingers and toes, then moves to the ankles, elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, and wrists. Bones may erode, and your patient will probably have deformed joints. Their eyes, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and skin may also be adversely affected. RA occurs more frequently in women than men and usually begins in middle age.
There is no cure for any type of arthritis; however, treatment can relieve symptoms and potentially slow progression. In some cases, joint functions may be improved, at least temporarily.
If your patient still smokes, help then enroll in a smoking cessation program. Although joints are painful, movement is usually beneficial. Your Pegasus team includes physical therapists that can customize appropriate exercises.
Your team’s dietician can assist your patients with weight problems. Other treatments include medications and surgery. Some patients may have to try more than one treatment or a combination of treatments.
Pegasus is a licensed Home Care Organization and a Joint Commission Accredited Home Health Care organization. Our in-home caregivers in Moorpark and our other locations are dedicated to improving each person’s quality of life. Our career home health care nurses work one-on-one with patients with osteoarthritis and autoimmune arthritis.
