Other Types Of Arthritis
Systermic lupus erythematosus
Often known as lupus or SLE, this disease is a systemic auto-immune disorder producing a chronic inflammatory disease affecting all the organs of the body. Some three or four people in 100,000 suffer with this disease, which is more common in Afro-Caribbeans and some Asian populations than in Caucasians. Systemic lupus erythemarosus is nine times more common in women than men.
In lupus, the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues. This causes problems in all the systems of the body. Symptoms may include fever, malaise, weight loss, skin rashes, joint pain, breathing problems, kidney damage and gastrointestinal disorders, in addition to psychological symptoms.
Many drugs used to treat lupus suppress the function of the immune system, exposing the patient to increased risk of infection. Lupus can be caused by an infection or virus,, by exposure to sunlight or by certain drugs.
Lupus may cause a blotchy red rash on the skin. The rash, like the condition itself, subsides and then recurs.
Psoriatic arthritis
Arthritis can be associated with psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints in people who already have psoriasis or who may develop psoriasis in the future. Psoriasis is a disease causing scaly, flaking skin and nails, which affects about one in 50 of the population. Of those with psoriasis, about one in 10 will develop the associated arthritis. The condition can affect people of all ages, and women and men are affected in equal numbers.
Painful inflammation at the bony sites where ligaments and tendons are attached, for example at the heels, is also associated with psoriatic arthritis.
The lupus rash can be triggered by exposure to sunlight. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, wear a brimmed hat and stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Infectious arthritis
Arthritis may be triggered by various viral infections, notably rubella (German measles). This form of arthritis is usually curable provided that it is treated promptly. Without treatment, however, infectious arthritis can lead to serious damage to the joints and it may spread to other parts of the body.
Most types of infectious arthritis are caused by bacteria, but they can also be caused by viruses, such as infectious hepatitis, mumps and glandular fever. Fungal arthritis is less common.
Septic arthritis
Triggered by a penetrating injury or other infection, such as tuberculosis or gonorrhoea, septic arthritis means the joint becomes infected. There may be an earlier history of an infected lesion such as an ingrown toenail, boil or an ulcerating nodule. Septic arthritis causes a joint to be hot and painful and disproportionally inflamed compared with other joints. Treatment is by aspiration, or drainage and antibiotics.
Sjogren’s syndrome
In this disorder chronic arthritis is accompanied by dry eyes and dry mouth. Other symptoms include irritation, a gritty feeling or painful burning in the eyes. The eyelids may stick together. Food is difficult to chew and swallow because it sticks in the throat. The voice may be thin and reedy and the teeth may start to degenerate. Treatment is usually the same as for rheumatoid arthritis.
Fibromyalgia
Also known as fibrositis, fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread aching, stiffness and fatigue. It originates in the muscles and soft tissues of the body. People with this condition are found to have multiple tender points in specific muscle areas. Symptoms include aching and stiffness around the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back and hip areas. There may also be pain in the chest and knees, sleep disturbance, irritable bowel syndrome and migraine.
Fibromyalgia does not respond to aspirin or paracetamol, and stronger analgesics may be ineffective. Hot baths, relaxation exercises and massage can all bring relief. Swimming in warm water and exercises to improve posture and tone the muscles are also recommended.
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder typically suffered by people over the age of 50. The condition causes severe stiffness and aching in the muscles of the neck, shoulder and hip areas. Other symptoms include inflammation of the arteries, which can cause blindness, fatigue, weight loss,, low fever and depression. It occurs twice as often in women as in men. Treatment involves corticosteroids.
Case History of Arthritis
Nicola, aged 36, suffers from lupus. “l already bad severe arthritis and was finding life difficult – even washing and dressing myself had become a problem. Then the rash appeared. Lupus was diagnosed several months later. The disease has affected *y brain so that I cannot remember things. I have to carry a card with my name and address on it.
“The chemotherapy treatment is horrible – I have to have it to suppress the immune system to prevent it attacking my body. But after the chemo, I get all sorts of unpleasant infections like mouth ulcers and so on.
“I also have to have kidney dialysis, while I’m waiting for a transplant. I get all sorts of side-effects from the drugs, but I have to have them. When the illness flares up, as it does from time to time, I’m so exhausted that I can’t do anything except stay in bed and rest.”
Swimming is an excellent non weight bearing exercise that improves mobility in an arthritis sufferer. However, people with arthritis do not need to avoid all non impact activities, brisk walking and running are both fine.