How to Prevent Arthritis - Essay Example

Arthritis Arthritis: How to prevent, manage and intervene in Arthritis Research problem Arthritis is one of the single most challenging diseases that has troubled the healthcare fraternity for decades, yet some critical issues have been raised concerning the problem. Kate Long and James Fries (2000), in their text, note that there are several types of the arthritis with the all of them touching on the various body joints. Arthritis has been defined as the inflammation of the various body joints, but it is important to note that not all types of the disease are similar in occurrence and the impact on individuals. The ripple effects of arthritis are majorly felt in the joints. The causes of the disease are varied and diverse and depend on the type of arthritis an individual is suffering. The symptoms of the disease can be sudden or gradual depending on the magnitude and circumstances presented. While arthritis is common among the older generation from about the age of 65, it is important to note that teenagers and children are a vulnerable group. Moreover, previous research work has revealed that women are more likely to have arthritis than the men. Those, who are obese, are also prone to the disease. For instance, the osteoarthritis, which is by far the most common type of arthritis, emanates from the gradual weakening of the body. The wear and tear of the body cause the disease to manifest throughout the various joints of the body (Lorig et al., 2000). The cause is a natural breakdown of cartilage tissues that causes infection to various joints. Consequently, it is noted that the disease can manifest by means of inheriting from the family. This type of arthritis has two focal causes that are natural and hereditary. The symptoms of the disease are stiffness and pain, especially at dawn. Consequently, there are possibilities of body joints; swelling will reduce mobility at various intervals. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are loss of appetite, and an individual may also feel tired and disenfranchised. The inflammation of the joints can cause the disjointed of the immune system and it is possible for such an individual to become anemic. The best way of preventing arthritis and its subsequent management begins with proper diagnosis of the disease. Case in point is that a visit to the physician provides an opportunity of determining the range of motion within the joints. Any limitation in the joints gives an opportunity for the needed checkup and eventual treatment. The fluid in the joints, red joints and critical examination of the joints that are red or warm is a critical step towards ensuring that there is the proper treatment. The inflammation levels provide the doctor with an opportunity to diagnose with precision the type of arthritis one suffers. Scanning, X-rays and CT scans are better technological means that can be employed in revealing the cartilage and the position of the bones (Myasoedova 2010). Prevention and management begin precise diagnosis because it is difficult to know begin treatment without such interventions. Treatment is an intervention measure that ensures that the adverse effects of arthritis are contained and dealt with based on the prevailing extent of the problem. Essentially, treatment is aimed at reducing the level of pain experienced and prevent further damage to the various joints. There is a combination of treatment that can improve the functionality of the joints. Better results can be obtained if appropriate combinations of treatment are enhanced to ensure that the mobility of an individual is not affected as appropriate. Hydrocodone and acetaminophen are critical medications that can aid in suspension of pain, yet they are not better in reducing the rate of inflammation (Myasoedova 2010). The application of creams is also an effective mean of relieving pain. Capsaicin and menthol creams can be used to deal with persistent pains in the joints. Surgery is another important management and means of intervention that is important in dealing with arthritis. Joint replacement can be a logical treatment in dealing with arthritis because it provides an opportunity of either replacing or ensuring some corrective measures. Joint fusion is an option during surgery and in this procedure, the bones are closely held together to avoid further damage of the ligaments or the disc. Physical therapy is another critical medical procedure that is important in dealing with the problem of arthritis. The aim of the therapy is to ensure that the muscles are strengthened effectively ensuring that the pain is reduced. Consequently, exercises that ensure weight loss are critical for those who suffer from osteoarthritis. Though there are various methods and procedures that have been previously employed in treating arthritis, effective prevention, treatment and intervention procedures are yet to be actualized in different levels of dealing with the disease (Myasoedova 2010). How to prevent, manage and intervene in Arthritis remains a critical issue that require urgent and absolute solutions. Though there are different types of arthritis, the fact that most of the problems are associated with the joint gives a better opportunity of comprehensively ensuring prevention, management and intervention when dealing with the problem in this context. The various treatment methods require adjustments and refinement to ensure that treatment is effective as appropriate. Current Background Arthritis still affects a number of people since the time of inception, yet no credible cure for the disease has been found. Immediate treatment is of the essence because extreme cases of the disease are critical and severe. There are some types of the disease whose causes are yet to be determined. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis is one of the diseases whose cause has not been found (Sutton, 2010). Arthritis has been for some time associated with infection of the joints. However, research has suggested that the disease may be hereditary in the sense that it is acquired from the various family members of past generations. Disability decrease and programs are important interventions that help in relieving pain for those with arthritis. Essentially, the programs are aimed at reducing the long-term pains felt by particular individuals. There are various management procedures for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The management procedures are aimed at reducing the level of pain and ensuring a level of comfort for the patients ( Magee & Quillen, 2009). There are limited findings as to what causes the disease, though certain quarters point to general issues. Finding a cure for the disease has since been a problem because there is yet to an appropriate source of the causes of arthritis (Septic arthritis). The definition of the disease is only limited to the symptoms but not the actual cause of the problem. The few causes stated give a foundation for proper treatment of the disease only. The disease continues to be researched on with appropriate and critical breakthroughs being realized. A number of the interventions that have been taken have proved successful. There are a few adjustments necessary for ensuring that there is a complete cure for the disease in this context arthritis. Hypothesis Arthritis is a disease that can be prevented, managed, and proper intervention ensured if the causes of the joint pains are correctly determined. This hypothesis is based on the past and current research that has been undertaken. The hypothesis should be tested because close to 99% of arthritis have been managed and prevented due to proper and appropriate interventions. The hypothesis of this research is that arthritis can be prevented and managed through proper interventions. Through appropriate interventions, it is possible that medical practitioners can correctly deal with the challenge of arthritis. References Lorig, K., Fries, J. F., & Gecht, M. R. (2000). The arthritis help book: Tested Self-management program for coping with arthritis and fibromyalgia. Cambridge, Mass: Perseus. Myasoedova, E., Crowson, C, S., Kremers, H. M., Theneau, T. M., & Gabriel, S. E. (2010). Is the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis rising? Results from Olmsted, Minnesota, 1955- 2007. Arthritis and Rheumatism, Vol. 62, 6, 1576-82. Magee, David J. & Quillen, William S. (2009). Pathology and Intervention in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. St. Louis, Mo: Saunders/Elsevier. Sutton, A. L. (2010). Arthritis Sourcebook: Basic consumer health information about the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, gout, infectious arthritis, and auto-immune disorders associated with arthritis, along with facts about medications. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics. Septic arthritis, bacteria, Pseudomonas species, clinical sepsis, Cannula, LOA Thanni; Dept of Orthopedics and Traumatology, College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, OB Ogunfowora: Dpt of Pediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Olabisi, Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Ogun State, MB Fetuga: Dppt of Pediatrics, Collefe of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo. Read More