ARTHRITIS

Geeta Mohan
 Arthritis

• Arthritis refers to many different diseases

,most of which are characterized by
inflammation to more than one joints.
Inflammation ,pain and stiffness may be in
adjacent parts of the body such as muscles
near the joints
• Arthritis is the name given for a group of over
1000 diseases ,some of which even target
children. Millions the world over are affected
by arthritis
 TYPES OF ARTHRITIS
1) RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)
Autoimmune disease in which the immune system of
the body attacks its own healthy tissues, in this case
its own cartilage and joint linings
It is characterized by inflammation of joints, swelling
pain and loss of function , occurs bilaterally ex. if left
wrist is affected then right wrist is also affected
Symptoms Of RA
• Inflammation of the synovial membrane between the joints
• If untreated the membrane thickens and the synovial fluid
accumulates, the resulting pressure causes pain and
tenderness
• The membrane then produces an abnormal granulation
tissue called pannus that adheres to the surface of the
articular cartilage and sometimes erodes the cartilage
completely
• When the cartilage is destroyed ,fibrous tissue joins the
exposed bone ends
• The tissue ossifies and fuse the joints , so that it becomes
immovable
• The growth of the granulation tissue causes distortion of the
fingers ,which disrupts the articulation of opposing bones
• Muscle atrophy is seen, causing imbalance and possibly partial
dislocation, it can also finally lead to total immobility
RA
Arthritis
Arthritis
 Arthritis

CAUSES
Genetic
Microbiological ( Mycobacteria/ Retrovirus)
Immunological factors
RA can occur gradually or start with sudden flu-like
attack
Arthritis

WARNING Signs
• Flu –like attack
• Pain and swelling of joints
• Joint and muscle stiffness in the morning
• General weakness ,fatigue, fever, weight loss
Intensity vary from person to person
Joints commonly affected – Wrists, knuckles, elbows,
shoulders, neck jaw, ankle, knee and hips
 Arthritis

• Diagnostic tests – X ray, RF titer, synovial fluid

analysis ,Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR)
• Treatment – Pain killers like aspirin corticosteroids
• Supportive measures – rest, splinting to rest
inflamed joints, heat application for chronic
disease,cold /ice packs for acute cases
• Physiotherapy
• Joint reconstruction or total joint replacement
Arthritis

2) OSTEOARTHRITIS ( OA )
Degenerative joint disease that results from a
combination of aging, irritation of joints ,wear and
tear and abrasions
OA is a progressive disorder of movable joints,
particularly weight bearing joints- hips, knees , feet
and lumbar vertebra
Wide spread , more common in women.
Earliest symptoms manifests itself in middle age and
progress by around 65 – 70 years
Arthritis

OA is characterized by the deterioration of articular

cartilage and by formation of new bone in the sub
chondral areas and the margins of joints
The degeneration of the cartilage results from
damage to chondrocytes
Cartilage softens with age , narrowing the joint
space, Mechanical injury erodes articular cartilage
leaving the underlying bone unprotected. This
causes sclerosis or thickening of the bone
underneath the cartilage
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• Cartilage particles irritate the synovial lining

which becomes fibrotic and limits joint
movement.
• New bone called osteophyte or bone spur
forms at joint margins as the articular
cartilage erodes, this decrease the space of
the joint cavity and restrict joint movement
Arthritis
Osteo Arthritis
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Credits :
Wikipedia
Google