Arthritis

Rheumatic diseases are painful conditions usually caused by inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints or muscles. Some rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, happen when the immune system becomes hyperactive; the immune system attacks the linings of joints, causing joint pain, swelling, and destruction. Almost any joint can be affected in rheumatic disease. There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases but we'll focus on some of the common types. As cartilage of a joint wears down, this joint movement becomes painful or limited. Arthritis can be a normal part of ageing that can affect many different joints. However, it usually affects the knees, hips, lower back, neck, fingers, and feet.

The signs and symptoms of Arthritis, depending on the joints involved, include:
• Pain in joint
• Joint swelling
• Joint may be warm to touch
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle weakness and joint instability
• Pain when walking
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Difficulty dressing or combing hair
• Difficulty sitting or bending over

To diagnose arthritis, your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms and do a physical exam. Blood tests may help rule out other types of arthritis or medical problems. A joint fluid sample from an affected joint may also be examined to eliminate other conditions.

Usually by the time someone with Arthritis seeks treatment, there are changes visible on an X-ray of the joint. The X-ray may show narrowing of the joint space or the presence of bone spurs. In some cases, MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) may be done