Osteoarthritis : Osteoarthritis also called Degenerative joint disease, OA, Osteoarthrosis . Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, which is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint. Osteoarthritis is a normal result of aging. It is also caused by "wear and tear" on a joint. • Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that cushions your bones at the joints, and allows bones to glide over one another. • If the cartilage breaks down and wears away, the bones rub together. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. • Bony spurs or extra bone may form around the joint. The ligaments and muscles around the joint become weaker and stiffer. Symptoms Pain and stiffness in the joints are the most common symptoms. The pain is often worse after exercise and when you put weight or pressure on the joint. MEDICATIONS Over-the-counter pain relievers, which you can buy without a prescription, can help with OA symptoms. Most doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) first, because it has fewer side effects than other drugs. If your pain continues, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Types of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Other medications or supplements that you may use include: • Corticosteroids injected right into the joint to reduce swelling and pain • Over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate • Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream to relieve pain • Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee to relieve pain for 3 - 6 months


Inflammation : "A fundamental pathologic process consisting of a dynamic complex of histologically apparent cytologic changes, cellular infiltration, and mediator release that occurs in the affected blood vessels and adjacent tissues in response to an injury or abnormal stimulation caused by a physical, chemical, or biologic agent, including the local reactions and resulting morphologic changes; the destruction or removal of the injurious material; and the responses that lead to repair and healing. Inflammation is the body's attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens - and begin the healing process. When something harmful or irritating affects a part of our body, there is a biological response to try to remove it, the signs and symptoms of inflammation, specifically acute inflammation, show that the body is trying to heal itself. Inflammation does not mean infection, even when an infection causes inflammation. Infection is caused by a bacterium, virus or fungus, while inflammation is the body's response to it. Acute inflammation - starts rapidly (rapid onset) and quickly becomes severe. Signs and symptoms are only present for a few days, but in some cases may persist for a few weeks. Examples of diseases, conditions, and situations which can result in acute inflammation include: acute bronchitis, infected ingrown toenail, sore throat from a cold or flu, a scratch/cut on the skin, exercise (especially intense training), acute appendicitis, acute dermatitis, acute tonsillitis, acute infective meningitis, acute sinusitis, or a blow. Chronic inflammation - this means long-term inflammation, which can last for several months and even years. It can result from: ? Failure to eliminate whatever was causing an acute inflammation ? An autoimmune response to a self antigen - the immune system attacks healthy tissue, mistaking it (them) for harmful pathogens. ? A chronic irritant of low intensity that persists Examples of diseases and conditions with chronic inflammation include: asthma, chronicpeptic ulcer, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic periodontitis, ulcerative colitis andCrohn's disease, chronic sinusitis, and chronic active hepatitis cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, periodontitis, and hay fever Drugs Used _ NSAID’S ( Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac Sodium, Aceclofenac , Acetaminophen) and Corticosteroids ( Both Mineralocorticoids and Glucocorticoids)


Gout : Gout is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. The initial aim of treatment is to settle the symptoms of an acute attack. Repeated attacks can be prevented by different drugs used to reduce the serum uric acid levels. Ice applied for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day decreases pain. Options for acute treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicineand steroids,while options for prevention include allopurinol, febuxostat and probenecid. Lowering uric acid levels can cure the disease.Treatment of comorbidities is also important.