CHRONIC
DISEASE
Arthritis
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Arthritis
• There are basically two
different categories of
Arthritis:
– Osteoarthritis
– Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
• The break down of the cartilage in the
joint
• The most common type of arthritis
• It can effect every joint in the body
• There is no cure
• It can be treated in terms of pain
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Arthritis
Diagnosing
Osteoarthritis
• Clinical history: symptoms, family
history, medications patient may be
taking
• Physical examination: checking reflexes,
observe patient walking and bending,
and daily activities
• X-rays: observing joint and cartilage
damage; x-rays may not show early
damage
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
computerized images of internal body
joints, and surrounding tissue
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Arthritis
Treating
Osteoarthritis
• No treatment available to prevent,
reverse, or block the disease
process.
• Medication can only relieve
symptoms.
• Aspirin and similar substances
(prescription and nonprescription)
are used to treat pain.
• Acupuncture - as well as
glucosamine and chondroitin - are
alternative therapies.
• Joint replacement is also an option.
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Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Autoimmune disease: immune
system attacks body tissue
• Can last for years
• No cure
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Arthritis
Diagnosing Rheumatoid
Arthritis
• Joint observation
• Blood test
• X-rays
• Involves medication for pain,
rest, and joint strengthening
exercises
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Arthritis
The End
Arthritis