What is the Difference / Characteristic of Arthritis and Rheumatism
What is the Difference / Characteristic of Arthritis and Rheumatism
Arthritis
and Rheumatism, the 'lame' or 'crippling' joints disease twin. There are
about 200 different types of rheumatic disease, including several
different types of arthritis. Till today, medical science does not know
what causes rheumatic diseases. In fact, interest in this ancient
disease only started about three centuries ago. Current medical science
still cannot explain the fundamental truths about rheumatism.
By fat, current explanations include a
large mass of possible causes. Orthodox medicine scientists, and
researchers are divided on their stand on the problem but have some
'acceptable' causes include:
- metabolic disorder, bio-chemical
suffocation, change in collage, degeneration change in the body,
auto-immune disease, deterioration of health, sedentary life,
inheritance
The Greek word rheuma means 'a watery
discharge', and refers to the fact that joints affected are often
swollen. Rheumatism covers all the aches, and pains in the body. There
usually is a painful swell just under the skin or inflamed, painful
joints. Rheumatism includes unexplained bone, and muscle ached / pains
in the body which include the joints too. Rheumatism is caused by
overused or strained muscle, injuries, intensive or excessive strain,
and obesity.
Traditional
Chinese beliefs blame such aches, and pains on 'wind', cold, and
dampness. It is believed the body is a 'weather meter' - when it rains
or when the weather become 'cool', the body aches, and pain start.
'Dampness' refers to the stubborn aches, and pains which come, and go
frequently but always at the same spot.
Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The early signs are pain, and swelling in
the joints, usually of the fingers, feet, shoulders, elbows, and knees.
Often the same joints in the arms or legs are affected at the same time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is very unpredictable - it may come on suddenly,
and disappears just as unexpectedly. It also varies in severity - one
can actually become very disabled in extreme cases.
Arthritis
The word arthritis comes from the Greek
words Arthro (joint), and itis (inflammation). With joints inflammation
arthritis, the skin (tissue) cover surrounding the joint become
inflamed, and swollen. This often damages the joint itself. As for
degenerative arthritis, the joints 'wear out' over time due to factors
such as excessive stress. This increases dramatically with age.
Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis.
Characteristics of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is characterized by a
nagging pain in a joint, and it rarely comes on suddenly. Unlike
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis only attacks on joint at a time.
The pain usually worse after exercise or at the end of the day.
Osteoarthritis becomes severe if the cartilage protecting the bone wears
away completely, and the bones start 'rubbing' together. The pain can be
sharp, and sudden when the joint is moved. In severe cases, the joint
becomes deformed, and causes disability. Replacement with an artificial
joint may become necessary.
Gout
A result of too much uric acid in the
blood forming tiny 'needle sharp crystals' in between the joints, Gout
usually affects the big toe joint. Although Gout is very common, it can
be successfully controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs. Once the
inflammation is under control another medicine such as Allopurinol is
usually give to keep acid levels low.
