Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Paper

Arthritis is broadly defined as painful inflammation of the joints. There are approximately 100 different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is the most chronic joint condition and affects approximately 33 million people. Osteoarthritis involves the whole joint including cartilage, bone, ligament and muscle, with changes such as joint space narrowing (Bennell & Hinman, 2011). It results from the overuse of joints, is associated with aging, may be the consequence of demanding sports where they may be injured, or obesity (Guilak, 2011). Osteoarthritis is most common in joints that bear weight, such as the spine, hips, knees and feet, however …show more content…
This also includes inherited abnormalities in the shape of the bone that surrounds the knee joint (Fitzgerald et al. 2011). If an individual has an occupation that includes activities that stress the joint, such as kneeling, lifting heavy weights or squatting, they are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis because of the constant pressure on the joint. Although this form of arthritis is more frequent in elderly people, athletes also may develop osteoarthritis. Athletes involved in sports such as tennis, soccer and long-distance running should take precautionary measures to avoid injury as they have a higher risk for such arthritis. It is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint in order to decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis (Fitzgerald et al. 2011). Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are localized pain while symptoms such as severe pain, fatigue, loss of appetite and stiffness in the hands, wrist, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, jaw and the neck are typically not present as they are in other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (Westby, …show more content…
Physical activity increases joint circulation, which provides nutrition to articular cartilage, it strengthens muscles, improves joint stability as well as preserves and possibly improves joint function and range of motion (Forsyth et al. 2011). Exercise assists in relieving pressure on weight-bearing joints as it aids in weight-loss and weight maintenance. For every one pound a person is overweight, four pounds of extra weight load is added to each knee when walking (Forsyth et al. 2011). Individuals with osteoarthritis typically focus on three types of fitness activity: aerobic exercise, strength/resistance training and balance and flexibility exercises, all of which can be categorized as therapeutic/rehabilitative and recreational/leisure exercise types. Therapeutic/rehabilitative exercises address specific joints or body parts affected by arthritis and is typically prescribed to individuals who have been inactive, have restricted joint motion or muscle strength, or are experiencing joint pain. Recreational/leisure activities, such as walking, swimming, and running, are appropriate forms of exercise which can be done in a controlled and safe manner, place little stress and loads on specific joints, and have little risk of injury. In most arthritis cases, recreational exercise is recommended hand-in-hand with therapeutic exercise (Forsyth et al.

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