Inflammatory Arthritis
August 23, 2008 · Print This Article
The most common form of inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis along with this particular type are the ones most common. Inflammatory arthritis causes inflammation of the lining of the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis attacks healthy joint tissue for an unknown reason. This form of arthritis is known to affect both sides of the body at once.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most debilitating forms of arthritis, and causes extreme pain in the joints, which eventually become deformed. These symptoms can lead to even the simplest of movements to be extremely painful and difficult to manage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition. The exact cause is not really understood. It is three times more common among women than in men and generally strikes between the ages of 20 and 50.
Inflammatory arthritis of the hip is characterized by a dull, aching pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttocks. Pain usually worsens in the morning and lessens with activity. However, vigorous activity can result in increased pain and stiffness. The pain may limit your movements and make walking difficult.
There is practically no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. But with proper treatment, a strategy for prevention and control of conditions of inflammatory arthritis can be worked out. However treatment procedures are definitely followed depending on the type and location of the condition.
Infection of the joints can be eliminated, either through the use of medications or through surgical draining. Non invasive procedures may provide some relief with relatively few side effects or complications. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and various cortisteroids in the form of creams, injections or oral intake are effective.
There are also prescriptions which can help in the control of inflammatory arthritis such as Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine.These medications are part of a drug category called DMARDs, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Physical therapy may be of tremendous help to the patient to increase the range of motion and also in strengthening muscles through various exercises. Swimming is a preferred exercise.
