What Are Rheumatic Diseases and What is Arthritis?

As we age there are a number of things that we look forward to, among them are retirement, paying off our debts, enjoying our grandchildren. Then there are the less enjoyable thrills of aging including some of the diseases that may or may not befall us as we age. I have a cousin who was just diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, she is just a few years older than I am, so being the person that I am I wanted to know what other surprise I may have in my future, so I thought I would share some of the more common ones that I found:

What Are Rheumatic Diseases and What Is Arthritis?

Rheumatic diseases are characterized by inflammation swelling, and loss of function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body. They especially affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some rheumatic diseases can also involve internal organs.

There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases. Some rheumatic diseases are described as connective tissue diseases because they affect the supporting framework of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because they occur when the immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, harms the body's own healthy tissues.

Osteoarthritis - This affects an estimated 21 million adults in the United States. Osteoarthritis primarily affects cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage begins to fray and may entirely wear away. Osteoarthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis - This inflammatory disease of the lining of the joint, results in pain, stiffness, swelling, joint damage, and loss of function of the joints. Inflammation most often affects joints of the hands and feet and tends to be occurring equally on both sides of the body.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis- form of arthritis in childhood, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function of the joints. The arthritis may be associated with rashes or fevers, and may affect various parts of the body.

Fibromyalgia - is a chronic disorder that causes pain throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. Pain, stiffness, and localized tender points occur in the muscles and tendons, particularly those of the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. Look forward to fatigue and lack of sleep.

Systemic lupus erythematosus-Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system harms the body's own healthy cells and tissues. This can result in inflammation of and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.

Gout- deposits of needlelike crystals of uric acid in the joints. The crystals cause inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joint, which is often the big toe.

Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, people who have arthritis feel pain and stiffness in the joints. Early diagnosis and treatment help decrease further joint damage and help control symptoms of arthritis and many other rheumatic diseases. There is an estimate that over 43 million people in the United States have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. By the year 2020, this number is expected to reach 60 million. Rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability among adults age 65 and older. Rheumatic diseases affect people of all races and ages. If you find yourself feeling these aches and pains, see a doctor, there are medications that can help ease the pain and there is physical therapy that may assist you. Early diagnosis and treatment help decrease further joint damage and help control symptoms of arthritis and many other rheumatic diseases.

.