The term “arthritis” comes from the Greek and is made up of “arthron” (joint) and the typical medical ending “-itis” for inflammation. So arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Arthritis complaints are a typical symptom of old age. Symptomatic of arthritis are pain, redness, and impaired functionality of the movement sequences.

Arthritis can be behind it, and it must be treated quickly to avoid serious damage.

Arthritis: Symptoms

Any joint inflammation has one or more identifiable signs. Doctors speak of so-called “cardinal signs.” There are five in number, and arthritis shows them all. It is confirmed when the following are observed in body joints:

• Pain
• Redness
• Overheating
• Feel puffy
• It cannot move properly (functional impairment).

Course of arthritis

Arthritis can occur quickly (acutely) or last longer and progress in episodes (chronic), whereby the symptoms keep getting better. A disease is chronic if the symptoms persist for more than six weeks.

Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Arthritis

In Glebe, in contrast to other languages ​​ (e.g., English), the joint inflammation caused by joint abrasion is not referred to as arthritis but as osteoarthritis, which is mainly found in older adults, e.g. (Retirees). So osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis.

Arthritis: causes

• Joint inflammation can have several causes. According to the classification of the ICD (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems), the following main systematic groups are distinguished:
• Degenerative (“wear-related”) rheumatic disease :
  Osteoarthritis
• Infectious (caused by bacteria and/or other pathogens) rheumatic disease :
  e.g., B. Infectious arthritis (joint infection)

• Metabolic disorders associated with rheumatic complaints, including
  gout, iron storage disease
• Inflammatory (autoimmune) rheumatic diseases, e.g.
  rheumatoid arthritis (chronic polyarthritis), Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis), Reactive arthritis (including Reiter’s disease)
  Children’s rheumatism (juvenile idiopathic arthritis), Connective tissue diseases (collagenases), Vascular inflammation (vasculitides).

Arthritis: Diagnosis – How Do You Diagnose Arthritis?

A proven method of diagnosing infectious arthritis, but also non-infectious arthritis, is palpation. The doctor feels the painful joints. If an effusion can be felt, this can indicate that fluid has deposited in the joint.

Another sign of rheumatoid arthritis can be asymmetrical patterns of inflammation on both sides of the body. An ultrasound or an X-ray can provide information about the state of the joint.

Arthritis: Treatment and Therapy

• Movement and physiotherapy
• Administration of medication (e.g., antibiotics, cortisone)

• Irrigation and drainage (draining fluids through a tube or hose)
• Diet change
• Arthritis drugs

Medicines for arthritis include anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, but also new drugs such as biologicals. Biologicals are medicinal preparations that are almost or completely identical to the body’s proteins.

Fasting for rheumatism?

Fasting has been taking place since time immemorial, be it for traditional, cultural, or religious reasons. Studies show that fasting accompanied by a doctor and a subsequent vegetarian diet can be an effective method in treating rheumatic diseases. During a fasting cure, no solid food is consumed as much as possible for a period of 7 to 21 days. It is important that you, as a rheumatoid patient, do not fast without medical supervision.

Infectious arthritis

Infectious arthritis is one of the infectious rheumatic diseases.They are caused by bacteria and/or other pathogens.

Infectious arthritis: cause

In the form of infectious arthritis, infection, e.g., triggered by bacteria or other pathogens that get directly into the joint. This happens through an open wound, e.g., by a fall. However, joint injection or surgery also carries the risk of bacteria (e.g., staphylococci or streptococci) entering the body, leading to joint inflammation. Pre-existing joint diseases make patients more vulnerable. Infectious arthritis usually occurs suddenly (acute). Creeping courses (subacute or chronic arthritis) are very rare.

In the case of an acute joint infection, the cartilage can be damaged very quickly. This also endangers joint function, and severe infection (sepsis) can result.