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Arthritis in Joints
Help Protect Your Joints with an Early Diagnosis

Dr. Sandra Sessoms
Rheumatologist
The Methodist Hospital

Sue, 46 years old and an active mother of two, worked as an editor at her local newspaper. Long days at her computer keyboard were contributing to stress on her hands and wrists. After noticing swelling of her thumb and finger joints that didn't seem to go away, Sue made a call to her doctor.

An early stage of osteoarthritis was diagnosed.

Osteoarthritis: A Growing Challenge
More than 27 million people in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.* This disease affects cartilage, the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. In osteoarthritis, the top layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away, allowing bones to rub together. This rubbing causes pain, swelling and loss of motion in the affected joint.

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Osteoarthritis is diagnosed most often in older people and is more common in women than men. Although the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, the following risk factors may contribute to its development:

Being overweight.
Growing older.
Injured or stressed joints – often from repetitive work and
playing sports.
A genetic defect in joint cartilage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Autoimmune Disease
The second most common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other parts of the body. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that – for unknown reasons – a person's immune system attacks the body's own tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium, the tissue that lines the joints. Joint protection is a key strategy used to help patients manage rheumatoid arthritis pain.

A Checklist of Arthritis Symptoms

The following symptoms may be signs of arthritis.

Pain. A dull or burning sensation often occurs after periods of increased joint use. Morning pain and stiffness in the joint are common.
Swelling. An affected joint may swell in an attempt to prevent further use and protect itself.
Joint adaptation. Other joints surrounding the arthritic area may become more mobile than normal.
Warmth. The affected area may feel warm to the touch due to the body's inflammatory response.
Crepitation. Grating or grinding, known as crepitation, is caused when damaged cartilage surfaces rub against each other.
Looseness. The support structures of the joint may feel unstable or loose due to damaged ligaments.

See your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks.

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

See Your Physician Now
Arthritic symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly. "If you have pain that you can't handle anymore or that lasts for more than two weeks, consult your doctor," says Sandra Sessoms, M.D., rheumatologist at The Methodist Hospital. With more than 100 types of arthritis,* getting an accurate diagnosis early with an appropriate treatment plan put into action is critical to managing the disease.

The Methodist Bone and Joint Center offers a variety of new surgical techniques for advanced arthritic conditions. These procedures feature reduced recovery times for patients and offer restored usage of joints.

* Source: Arthritis Foundation.

< Fall 2008