Arthritis (Bones and Joints)

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis (Bones and Joints)
Osteoarthritis:
1. Joint pain that gets worse by movement.
2. Stiffness in the morning.
3. Knobby growths on the joints of the fingers.

Rheumatoid arthritis:
1. Painful, swollen, red joints that may feel warm.
2. Low fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss; feeling sick.
3. Skin lumps, usually on the elbows, fingers, or buttocks.
4. Dry eyes and mouth.
5. Stiffness in the morning.

Gout:
1. Severe, sudden pain in a joint, often the wrist, big toe, or knee.
2. Redness, swelling around joint.
3. Fever.

What to do now
1. For rheumatoid arthritis, take aspirin, or the anti-inflammatory pain reliever recommended by a doctor.
2. Apply heat or cold packs to painful or stiff joints.
3. Take warm baths.
4. Apply cream or lotion containing capasaicin or salicylate for pain relief.
5. Don’t grip objects tightly for long periods.
6. Take plenty of rest.

When to call a doctor
1. If you develop joint pain or stiffness that interfares with normal activities.
2. If you have fever or chills along with other arthritis symptoms.
3. If you develop the acutely painful symptoms of gout.
4. If your arthritis is not improving.

How to prevent it
Osteoarthritis:
1. Maintain a healthy weight; this lessens the pressure on weight-bearing joints.
2. Exercise regularly and moderately to keep your muscles and bones strong.
3. Avoid repetitive activities, such as typing, that lead to joint overuse.
4. Maintain good posture; it lessens the stress on joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis:
There’s no known prevention for rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout:
1. Maintain a healthy weight; this lessens the pressure on weight-bearing joints.
2. Don’t fast; fasting can raise levels of uric acid.
3. Don’t drink heavily (alcoholic drinks or other beverages).
4. Control high blood pressure.
5. Avoid protein-rich foods such as organ meats and dried beans, which are all associated with gout.
6. Drink plenty of water.