What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative inflammatory disease that leads to deterioration of the joints. It can be acute, appearing suddenly and evolving rapidly, or it can be chronic, with a slower and longer-term evolution.
It should be differentiated from osteoarthritis, which also corresponds to an impairment of the joints, but is due to physical or metabolic causes.
Where does it come from?
Two origins of arthritis are identified:
- Rheumatoid: when rheumatoid arthritis is due to abnormal friction of the tendons against the bone within the joint;
- Infectious: when the joint disorders are the symptom of infectious disease, as in the case of Lyme disease.
Different types are distinguished, such as monoarthritis, oligoarthritis or polyarthritis, categorized according to the number of joints affected.
How can it be recognized?
The main symptoms of arthritis are:
- Pain (inflamed tendons) with effort;
- Twinges, even at rest;
- Chronic pain;
- Inflammation (redness and heat sensation);
- Swelling (bursitis);
- Motor losses.
Solutions supporting people with arthritis
Take advantage of assistance to mobility and accessibility
To maintain autonomy and the continuation of activities of daily living, a very wide range of products and services exist in several fields. Many solutions for assistance in walking and mobility, residential adaptation or home help and comfort are available to support people with ALS symptoms. They seek to respond to patients’ lesser and greater needs for assistance, while providing them with comfort, independence and safety.
