Arthritis: Causes
Arthritis: Causes
Arthritis: Causes
Causes:
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks
the synovium — the lining of the membranes that surround
your joints.
The resulting inflammation thickens the synovium, which can
eventually destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint.
The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken
and stretch. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment.
Doctors don't know what starts this process, although a genetic
component appears likely. While your genes don't actually
cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more susceptible
to environmental factors — such as infection with certain
viruses and bacteria that may trigger the disease.
Treatments:
The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of
arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for
successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy,
home remedies, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips,
anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications (ranging from
acetaminophen [Tylenol] and ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil] to
narcotics), immune-altering medications, biologic medications, and
surgical operations. Pain from osteoarthritis of the knee can be
relieved by hyaluronic acid injections. Rheumatoid arthritis can
require medications that suppress the immune system. Low back
arthritis that is irritating nerves of the spine can require surgical
repair. For more on treatments of particular forms of arthritis, see
the corresponding articles for the form of arthritis of interest. The
treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of
arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for
successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy,
home remedies, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips,
anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications (ranging from
acetaminophen [Tylenol] and ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil] to
narcotics), immune-altering medications, biologic medications, and
surgical operations. Pain from osteoarthritis of the knee can be
relieved by hyaluronic acid injections. Rheumatoid arthritis can
require medications that suppress the immune system. Low back
arthritis that is irritating nerves of the spine can require surgical
repair. For more on treatments of particular forms of arthritis, see
the corresponding articles for the form of arthritis of interest.
RENAL FAILURE
Causes:
kidneys
You experience direct damage to your kidneys