Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Paper Summary:

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the disease of arthritis. Specifically, the paper discusses the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and their commonalities. The writer notes that, although there are many types of arthritis, these two are the most common. Both of these forms of arthritis can be debilitating and painful. The writer points out that they can also lead to other complications, such as surgery and continued medication for pain. Arthritis is serious because it cannot be cured, only treated, and because it affects so many Americans and their daily lives. The writer concludes that arthritis should be a top research priority in America, because curing or preventing the disease could make a real difference in so many people's lives. One of the source articles used is appended to the paper.

From the Paper:

"The symptoms of the disease include stiffness after remaining in one position for a long time (such as sitting or sleeping), a sound of bone rubbing on bone or crunching when the bone is used, swelling or pain in the joint, and tenderness in the joint. Anti-inflammatory drugs, along with mild exercise and even re-alignment of misaligned joints, can treat osteoarthritis. Topical treatments, such as creams and hot and cold packs can also be effective in many cases. X-rays are the most common way to confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, but a doctor may order joint aspiration in cases that are more difficult to diagnose. Often, the most effective treatment for this form of arthritis is surgery to replace the damaged joints. It is the most common reason most Americans undergo hip and knee surgery, and most patients report success and far less pain in those joints after surgery."
"Rheumatoid arthritis does not have as many sufferers as osteoarthritis, and it has different symptoms and treatments. This form of the disease can actually affect other areas of the body, such as the blood supply and lungs, and it is actually causes by inflammation of the joint lining, which causes loss of movement, pain, and swelling."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Editors. "Answers you Can Trust." Arthritis.com. 2006. 15 Nov. 2006.< http://www.arthritis.com/ >
• Fischman, Josh; Hobson, Katherine. "Agony In The Bones." U.S. News & World Report 138, no. 24 (Jun 27, 2005): p. 42-52.
• Tortora, Gerard J. and Derrickson, Bryan. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology.

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