Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory types of arthritis are characterized by their tendency to cause inflammation in joints and tendons. In inflammatory arthritis, the synovial membrane becomes swollen and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. Chemicals released in the inflamed tissue increase blood flow to the joint, causing it to look red and feel warm to the touch. To reduce pain, patients with arthritis may favor affected joints, holding them in a fixed position. This causes the muscles surrounding the joints to stiffen and weaken and the tendons, which attach muscles to bone or to other muscles, to tighten. As a result, joints may contract or change shape and patients may eventually lose mobility. Inflammatory arthritis may be caused by autoimmune diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. It can also be caused by crystal deposits in the joints or by infection.

Arthritis

Arthritis, any of more than 100 different diseases causing pain, stiffness, and in most cases, swelling in the joints.

Joints, found where two bones in the body meet, cushion the bones and prevent them from rubbing against each other during movement. Joints are composed of cartilage—smooth, elastic tissue—surrounded by a casing called the joint capsule. The joint capsule is lined with a synovial membrane that secretes synovial fluid, a liquid that fills the joint cavity and further reduces friction between the bones. Although all arthritic conditions involve joint pain, the severity, duration, and effects of this pain vary considerably from one condition to another.

Treatment: Etodolac, Nabumetone, Naproxen, Arthroplasty

related articles:

• Osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory Arthritis