/images/pg/rheum_questions.gif"> What is Arthritis? What are the Warning Signs of Arthritis? What is Osteoporosis? What Can I Do to Prevent Osteoporosis? What is Rheumatology and How Can it Help? What kind of Medications are used? What is Arthritis? Arthritis is a general term meaning joint inflammation. However, arthritis is not limited to disorders involving the joints. Each form of arthritis requires its own specific treatment. Therefore it is very important to know the type of arthritis you have. Since great advances have been made over recent years in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, it is no longer inevitable that a diagnosis indicates a lifetime of pain and misery with little relief. If you suspect you have arthritis, you should consult your physician or a rheumatologist, an arthritis specialist. Again, it is important to know the type of arthritis you have so that it can be treated most effectively. What are the Warning Signs of Arthritis? Early Morning Stiffness Joint Pain or Swelling Limitation of Motion Muscle Pain What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. What Can I Do to Prevent Osteoporosis? By about age 20, the average woman has acquired 98 % of her skeletal mass. Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later. There are four steps to help prevent osteoporosis. No one step alone is enough to prevent osteoporosis but the combination of all four may. They are: • A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D • Weight-bearing exercise • A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake, and • Bone density testing and medication, when appropriate. What is Rheumatology and How Can It Help? Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine dedicated to the scientific study and treatment of inflammatory disorders. An individual is recognized as a rheumatologist (arthritis expert) if the physician has completed several years of specialized training in the treatment of rheumatic disorders after medical school. Additionally, he or she is said to be board-certified if the physician has successfully completed both the intensive training and a certifying exam from the American Board of Internal Medicine. The most common reason for a patient to seek help from a rheumatologist is for the evaluation of significant muscle or joint pain. Since most forms of arthritis result in pain, the first goal of the rheumatologist is to find out the cause of the pain. The guidelines for proper diagnosis of rheumatic disorders include a complete medical history, comprehensive physical examination, specific blood tests, and diagnostic x-rays. Once this information has been evaluated, a specific diagnosis can be made, and an individualized program of treatment can be implemented. A treatment program may include the use of anti-inflammatory medications that combat the arthritis, instruction in specific exercises to maintain joint mobility and finally, specific dietary modification to reduce joint stress. These diagnostic and treatment programs are the rheumatologist’s specialty. What Kind of Medications are Used? To understand the rationale behind the use of certain arthritis medications, it is first necessary to understand some basic facts concerning arthritis. The term arthritis is used to mean inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. There are many causes of such inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural way to fight disease. However, when the inflammation becomes out of control and affects the joints and surrounding tissues, arthritis occurs. Furthermore, when inflammation continues for long periods of time, joint damage may occur. The main goal in arthritis treatment and therapy is to reduce the inflammatory response. One form of therapy involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications. These medications have been scientifically proven to reduce the inflammation of arthritis. Once the inflammation decreases, the pain and swelling so often associated with the arthritis improves as well. Anti-inflammatory medications can be very powerful and often reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis within a few weeks. There are many effective medications available for the treatment of arthritis. Each medication is different, and the one that is used for you should be tailored to your type of arthritis. Prior to starting any medication, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Most arthritis medications are safe. However, some patients do experience side effects. Rheumatologists are aware of the potential side effects and problems patients may face. Their specialized training enables them to instruct their patients in a manner that is both safe and effective.