Arthritis by Jaqueline Frias https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9 en-us 2023-02-27 05:04:50 UTC 2025-05-28 10:02:13 UTC hello@padlet.com Arthritis friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495850760 2023-02-27 05:32:41 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495850760 What causes the disorder and what gene or chromosome is affected? friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495851208 There are many hypotheses about what could be the causing factor of "arthritis"; however, scientists have yet to find a definitive answer. 

Doctors and scientists believe that genetics significantly determine an individual's likelihood of developing arthritis. They also note that many environmental factors increment predisposition; for example, working in jobs that use the same joint movement over long periods, age, smoking, or being overweight. Although these examples may increase the probability of developing arthritis, scientists have yet to find a singular factor in all cases.  

However, some recent studies have found that the genetic marker HLA-DR4 could be involved in determining if an individual is at risk of developing this disorder. A genetic marker is a small piece of DNA used to identify a place on a chromosome, similar to coordinates on a map that specify a location in the world. These studies have tied the HLA-DR4 antigen to various diseases, one being rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They have concluded that people with this genetic marker may have higher chances of developing RA in the future. This finding, however, has yet to be conclusive evidence of RA; thus, the search continues. ]]> 2023-02-27 05:33:18 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495851208 Are there prenatal tests for this disorder? If so, how are they tested? friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495851870 Unfortunately, no prenatal tests can determine arthritis since the actual cause has yet to be found. However, once research has developed more, there may be a test to determine a baby's likelihood of developing arthritis in the future. ]]> 2023-02-27 05:34:24 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495851870 How is the disorder diagnosed? friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874116 A proper and accurate diagnosis is made by a rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in arthritis. For RA, a doctor would go through a list of steps to come to a diagnosis. 
One would be a review of medical history—questions about pain, its severity, difficulty moving, and whether family members have a history of autoimmune diseases. 
Then, blood tests are to look for inflammation and antibodies linked to RA. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody found in about 80 percent of cases of RA.
The last step would be a series of imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, that would show erosions at the joints. The imaging tests do not show results if the RA is at an early stage where the bone has yet to be damaged.

For OA, the steps are the same as for RA and many other types of arthritis. The only additional step is a test called joint aspiration. This test is done by inserting a needle into the affected joint and pulling out a fluid to look for infection. ]]> 2023-02-27 06:06:37 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874116 How does a person get this disorder? (Mutation or inherited?) friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874223 An individual is prone to either develop this disorder through inheritance or simply develop it without any ancestral background containing it; however, in most cases has a lower risk.

The most common type of arthritis, known as OA, contains the ability to develop through genetic mutations without fully possessing heredity from an ancestor. According to Cleveland Clinic, "there are hereditary forms of osteoarthritis that are caused by mutations in genes for collagen," causing perceptions of having multiple genes, which is also known as a multifactorial inheritance which is an effect from birth when there is a combination between both parents' genes. In most cases, environmental characteristics are influencers on this mutation, such as "obesity, joint injuries, aging, and joint anatomy. " 

However, other types of arthritis, such as Rheumatoid, are classified as autoimmune diseases, meaning the body lacks natural defense systems that usually can tell the difference between your cells and foreign ones. This makes the idea of having this immune system become more prone to being genetically sparked by any of the following environmental factors; "infection, injury, or smoking." 

In conclusion, although some factors might depict whether this disorder is developed through mutations, solely. Some arthritis can be genetically passed down through family generations, which is why it is important to understand that this disorder is not just focused on being developed through either mutations or inheritance because it really depends on the type.
]]> 2023-02-27 06:06:49 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874223 What are the symptoms/effects on the individual with this disorder? friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874416 As mentioned, arthritis is a generic term for many joint pain disorders, but many have a similar outlook. The two most common and affecting in the US population are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage between bones begins to wear down over time, and the bone changes, causing inflammation and pain. The CDC reports OA affects over 32.5 million adults in the US and is thus the most common form of arthritis. 

Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, progressively worsening over time. These symptoms may occur in any joints, but some of the most affected are weight-impacted ones, for example, the knees and hips. Movement creates a feeling of "grating" at these joints, which causes an individual significant pain and swelling. 

The second most common form of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. The attacked joint receives chemicals that inflame it, making movement very difficult. 

Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, and smaller joints, such as fingers and wrists, are affected first. Over time, the damaged tissue can incur an irreversible deformity on these small joints and "long-lasting chronic pain (CDC,2022)."]]> 2023-02-27 06:07:07 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874416 Which population is affected? (Males, females, certain ethnicities, etc?) friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874714 Identifying which population is more susceptible to this disease has been difficult. Researchers have yet to find a direct factor that may put a particular population at more risk than others. However, researchers observed that women are more prone to this disease. 

According to Felicia Messimer's article, "Why are Women More Prone to Arthritis," testosterone is a likely factor. She explains that testosterone helps build muscle and thus can lower the risk of arthritis if the joints have more muscle support. Although women also have testosterone, men produce up to 15 times more than women. This makes women's joints more susceptible to arthritis.

Another possibility is women's hormonal differences. Although women contain some testosterone levels, they have more estrogen, a group of sex hormones. These sex hormones are responsible for the female's reproductive system but also reduce inflammation. Low estrogen levels can lead to more inflammation in the joints and the likelihood of osteoarthritis. 

However, just because men contain testosterone does not mean this disease won't affect them. Another type of arthritis that is common in men is called Gout. Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints one at a time, usually targeting the toe area. The pain is generally caused by having too much uric acid, which crystallizes and deposits the joints. The cause of having less uric acid is the cause of why women are less prone to develop this disorder than men. ]]> 2023-02-27 06:07:37 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874714 Are there any treatment or cures? friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874849 For RA, it is best to get diagnosed early, as soon as symptoms begin. An early diagnosis is the best option to treat and adequately manage the disease. Treatment for RA uses disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which reduce inflammation, forcing the symptoms into remission. 
There are three types of DMARDs:
1) Conventional Synthetic: Slow-acting and for less severe cases.
2) Biological Therapies: They work by blocking cells from triggering inflammation and tend to work faster than conventional DMARDs.
3) Targeted Synthetic: Target and blocks the specific enzyme identified with RA called Janus kinase (JAK). 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. What doctors tend to treat are the symptoms through therapy and painkillers. As a last resort, patients can undergo surgery if other treatment options have not been effective. 

Changes in lifestyles are also recommended to manage the symptoms of arthritis. Such changes involve muscle training and therapy surrounding the affected joints, weight loss, stretching, and supportive devices such as crutches to ease the stress on joints. ]]> 2023-02-27 06:07:51 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874849 What is the long-term outlook for an individual with this disorder? friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874990 For RA, keeping up with treatments and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can diminish the symptoms. Overall, one can lead a comfortable life if one maintains a proper weight, exercises regularly, has a healthy diet, and quits any unhealthy habits such as smoking. For best results, it is also recommended that an individual does not continue a career that overuses a particular joint if diagnosed with RA. 

Since osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, it will continue to deteriorate as time goes by. Scientists have yet to find the reason for its progressiveness; therefore, no therapies have been found that can effectively stop it. Like RA, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to control its unfortunate fate. ]]> 2023-02-27 06:08:03 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495874990 What is the current status of research on this disorder? friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495875225 Based on research at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, it has come to the attention that most forms of arthritis are developed through immune-system mediated damage, which has the ability to strike at any time. Immune-system-mediated damage simply results from abnormal activity within your immune cells. In most cases, it will act aggressively upon the body, causing immense inflammation or, in other cases, losing the ability to fight against tumor cells. 

As Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the main to be examined and tested, researchers have focused on biomarker identification to cover any risk factors and subtypes. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis center has had many years researching this disorder entirely, but in condensed form, they mentioned having “studies on exercise and lifestyle interventions, understanding individual patient preferences, how pain is perceived and moderated, oral health conditions, lung disease in arthritis, improving how [they] evaluate disease activity with patient-reported outcomes, and clinical trials of investigational agents, including stem cell therapy.” 

Their studies have allowed for new therapies to be developed which can help different arthritis patients. And hopefully, in the future, a solution to the disease will be found. 
]]> 2023-02-27 06:08:25 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495875225 Support Groups friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495875403 The Arthritis Foundation has a helpline where one can get in contact with licensed experts. They are there to help and answer any questions. The website also offers an abundance of information about arthritis, the many types that exist, possible treatment options, and better lifestyle decisions to improve health and well-being.  

For more info visit the website:
https://www.arthritis.org/helpline

Phone Number: 1-800-283-7800]]> 2023-02-27 06:08:39 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495875403 friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495888894 The common term "arthritis" is used to describe joint pain or joint inflammation. It is not only one disease but an array of over 100 that have the same characteristics. 

The three most common ones are:
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Autoimmune Inflammatory Arthritis
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
    • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
    • Axial Spondylarthritis (axSpA)
  • Metabolic Arthritis (Gout)
]]> 2023-02-27 06:24:43 UTC https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2495888894 References friasjaqueline https://padlet.com/friasjaqueline/alpufj8yjeuqcmh9/wish/2502162556 “Arthritis Research at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.” Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, 12 Feb. 2020, https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-research/. 

“Arthritis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Sept. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772. 

“Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDS).” Versus Arthritis, https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/disease-modifying-anti-rheumatic-drugs-dmards/. 

“Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetic or Hereditary?” Pfizer, https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/is_rheumatoid_arthritis_genetic_or_hereditary#. 

Messimer, Felicia, et al. “Why Are Women More Prone to Arthritis.” Campbell County Health, 11 Sept. 2019, https://www.cchwyo.org/news/2019/september/why-are-women-more-prone-to-arthritis/. 

“Osteoarthritis (OA).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 July 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm#.
 
“Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Arthritis Foundation.” Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis. 

“Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7 Apr. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis.html. 

“Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Arthritis Foundation.” Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis. 

Team, Chronic Conditions. “Is Arthritis Hereditary?” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 5 Apr. 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-arthritis-hereditary/. 

“What Is Arthritis? Is It Genetic? What Are the Types of Arthritis?” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/understanding-arthritis-basics. 

“What Is Arthritis?: Arthritis Foundation.” What Is Arthritis? | Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis. 


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