Inflammatory Arthritis – Part 2

Individuals who suffer from Reactive Arthritis (also called Reiter syndrome) will experience inflammation in the joints and tendonal attachments which can be related to an infection. The inflammation and joint pain will be in response to an infection in the genitourinary tract or gastrointestinal tract. The patient experiences depend on inflammation, skin rashes and red eye. The diagnosis is often made by the symptoms and the physician will look for an underlying infection as the cause. Treatment will be launched at the underlying infection to stop the cascading effect as well as to decrease the inflammation and pain in the joints with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (3)

Ankylosing spondylitis is another type of inflammatory arthritis and is characterized by inflammation of the spine and large joints that result in stiffness and pain. The patient will experience joint pain, and back stiffness. The diagnosis will be based on symptoms and imaging studies such as x-ray and MRI. Treatment will be based on both the relief of pain using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, or the administration of methotrexate. Further treatment with tumor necrosis factor can also be effective for ankylosing spndylitis. (4)

Rheumatoid arthritis, also called rheumatoid disease, because of the systemic response in the body to the inflammatory process, is another of the inflammatory arthritic conditions. Diagnosis is made through blood tests, genetic testing and imaging tests. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms of pain, swelling and inflammation, as well as reducing the progression of the disease.

Those who suffer from one of the many different types of inflammatory arthritic conditions should find hope in the continuing research that is investigating both holistic and pharmaceutical approaches to reducing pain and preventing long-term joint disability.

References:

(1) Royal College of Physicians: Osteoarthritis

http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG059FullGuideline.pdf

(2) University of Maryland Medical Center: Reiter Syndrom

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/reiter-syndrome-000141.htm

(3) MayoClinic.com: Ankylosing Spondylitis

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ankylosing-spondylitis/DS00483

Resources:

Spondylitis Association of America

http://www.spondylitis.org/