How Do Non-Inflammatory & Inflammatory Arthritis Differ?
By Gary Hightower 9 am on
Arthritis is a condition in which one or more joints become inflamed. This causes swelling, pain, and the inability to freely move the affected joints. The hands, elbows, knees, ankles, spine, and hips are affected most often. Although every type of arthritis causes inflammation, they’re classified as either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. To help family caregivers better understand the two, here are some of the basic differences.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis is commonly known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is the most complicated kind of arthritis because it involves the immune system attacking healthy living tissue, making it an autoimmune disease. There are several factors that categorize this kind of arthritis:
Women are more likely to develop RA than men
Children can develop RA
Body parts like the lungs and eyes can be affected
Hormones and genetics can contribute to its development
Symptoms can include tiredness and weakness
Adults living with arthritis often have difficulty performing the tasks of daily living. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Arlington seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Non-Inflammatory Arthritis
Non-inflammatory arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis (OA) and occurs when the cartilage between the joints begins to break down, sometimes at rapid speeds. Although OA is categorized as non-inflammatory, the end result is inflammation of the joints due to the grinding together of the bone ends because of the lack of healthy cartilage. The circumstances that cause and worsen OA include:
Daily activities that put stress on the joints
Being overweight and adding stress and pressure on the joints
The aging process and eventual breakdown of cartilage
Caring for an older adult with arthritis can be challenging. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Servicesavailable in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Diagnosing Arthritis
Doctors use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology as well as X-rays to diagnose arthritis. It’s much easier to diagnose OA than RA. This is because X-rays and MRIs can easily reveal the condition of cartilage. Since RA is an autoimmune disease, doctors typically conduct blood tests to see if antibodies associated with RA are present. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of homecare services. Arlington Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (817) 591-1580 today.
