Joint inflammation

What is Joint Inflammation?

Joint inflammation which is chronic is usually known as rheumatoid arthritis and this affects mostly the smaller joints in the hands and feet. It is different than the wear and tear damage of osteoarthritis. This normally causes the painful swelling that will eventually result in erosion of the bone as well as joint deformity.

This common inflammation of the joints is an autoimmune disorder – for some reason the immune system begins to attack the body’s own tissues. As well as joint problems, RA also affects the whole body with fatigue and fevers.

Joint inflammation Causes

Inflammation of the joints especially with rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks the synovium which is the lining of the membranes which surrounds the joints. This resulting inflammation thickens the synovium and can ultimately attack and destroy the cartilage as well as the bone that is within the joint. The ligaments as well as the tendons which hold the joint together stretch and weaken. Usually, the joint will lose its shape and alignment.

Physicians do not know what starts this procedure, but a genetic component does seem to be likely. Your genes do not actually cause these joint problems, but they can make the individual more vulnerable to factors in the environment such as infection with certain bacteria as well as viruses and that can trigger problems with the joints.

Joint inflammation Diet

There are foods which increase inflammation as well as increases the pain and can also raise any risk of chronic joint problems. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, junk food, fast foods as well as sugar all can increase inflammation in the joints and the body. This can be partially attributive to the fats which are unhealthy and are used to process and prepare these types of foods, especially saturated and trans fats. Meats that are processed for example hot dogs, sausages, and lunch meats contain chemicals such as nitrates which are linked to increases in inflammation as well as chronic disease.

Adding foods to the diet which can reduce inflammation will greatly improve how an individual feels and aids in decreasing your risk for chronic disease. Below are some suggestions:

Fats and Oils

The correct types of fats in your diet can impact inflammation and pain in a very positive way. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are extremely powerful anti-inflammatory agents. These are found in walnuts, cold-water oily fish, canola oil, flax seeds as well as pumpkin seeds. Adding the Omega-3 fatty acid supplements from fish oil or flax oil can help to reduce any inflammation.

Olive oil is another type of oil which will also reduce inflammation. It has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as helping to reduce pain. Some other oils which are healthy include grape seed oil, rice bran oil as well as walnut oil.

Protein

The body needs protein in order to build healthy body tissue. High sources of protein include fish, lean poultry as well as nuts, seafood, legumes and seeds. Cut back on fatty red meats as they can trigger inflammation.

Soy milk, soybeans and tofu are 3 excellent sources of soy proteins which can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Carbohydrates should come from vegetables, whole grain and fruits. Any cereal, bread as well as pasta should be 100% whole-grain products. High-fiber diets will reduce inflammation and whole grains are great sources for fiber.

Individuals should choose green as well as brightly colored vegetables, as well as green leafy vegetable and lots of fruits which are fresh. Everyone needs at least 5 or more servings of vegetables as well as fruits each day.

Berries are also important; especially strawberries and blueberries which are simply packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Healthy Beverages

The body needs water in the form of beverages as well as foods each day. Water is the best form. Other fluid sources include 100% fruit juices, vegetable juices, low-fat milk and herbal teas. Approximately 20% of the water needed each day will normally come from the foods that are eaten.

Joint inflammation Treatment

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis or inflammation of the joints. There are drugs which can reduce inflammation in the joints and can relieve pain and also prevent or slow joint damage. Physical and occupational therapy can help to protect the joints.

Medications

NSAIDS

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDS include Advil, Motrin as well as Aleve. There are stronger versions of these NSAIDs as well as others are available by prescription. Some side effects can include ringing in the ears, increased bruising, heart problems, gastric ulcers, liver and kidney damage, as well as stomach bleeding.

Steroids

Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone and methylprednisolone reduce inflammation, pain as well as slow joint damage. Some side effects can include easy bruising, cataracts, thinning of bones, weight gain, a round face as well as diabetes.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDS

These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis as well as inflammation of joints – and they can save the joints and other tissues from damage which is permanent. Side effects can vary but can include liver damage, severe lung infections as well as bone marrow suppression.

Immunosuppressants

These have actions to tame your immune system, which is out of control when there is excessive inflammation. Examples are Azasan, Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf and Cytoxan. These medications increase susceptibility to infection.

Other drugs

There are other reheumatoid arthritis drugs which target various inflammatory substances produced by your body. These drugs include Kineret, Orencia and Rituxan. Some side effects include injection site reactions, headache, white blood cell counts, and an increase in upper respiratory infections.

Therapy

Therapy can help you do everyday tasks in order to take stress off painful joints. For example, if your fingers are sore, pick up an object using your forearms and there are many other suggestions.

Surgery

When medications fail to prevent or slow joint damage, surgery can be considered to repair damaged joints. This can help restore your ability to use the joint. It can also reduce pain and correct deformities. These procedures include:

Total joint replacement also known as arthroplasty

The surgeon removes the damaged parts of your joint and inserts a prosthesis made of plastic or metal.

Tendon repair

Joint and inflammation damage can cause tendons around the joint to loosen or rupture. The surgeon may be able to repair the tendons around the joint.

Removal of joint lining or synovectomy

This is the removal of the lining of the joint when the lining has been inflamed or damaged.

Joint fusion or arthrodesis

Fusing of a joint can be recommended to realign or stabilize a joint and for pain relief when joint replacement is not an option.

Surgery does carry a risk of bleeding, pain and infection.