 | Roselyn Schmidt, R.N.,
partnering with husband Don and son Kent, designed, own, manage and operate Chaucer Estates, Retirement and Assisted Living. Since 1967, the Schmidt's have owned five nursing homes, managing and operating the facilities as a family. In 1986, they built Andover Health Care, and in 1995 became part owners of Park West in West Wichita, until the 1998 flood, leading them to create Chaucer Estates. Most recently, the Schmidt family has opened their newest retirement and assisted living facility in Overland Park, KS, "Rose Estates". Since 1955, Rose has enjoyed a vast nursing career, raised six children, and presently serves as Admissions, and oversees marketing at Chaucer Estates. You can reach Rose at (316) 630-8111, or visit Chaucer Estates at 10550 E. 21st North, in East Wichita. |
Senior Living
2004-10-01 15:07:00
What are arthritis symptoms?
: Can you explain the different types of Arthritis and their symptoms?
ANSWER: As many as 36 million people in the United States have some form of arthritis or joint inflammation. It is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability for many people. Although arthritis is mainly a disease of adults, children may also suffer from it.In order to understand arthritis and its effect, it's important to look at the body's anatomy. A joint is where the ends of two or more bones meet. For example, a bone of the lower leg, called the shin or tibia and the thighbone, called the femur, meet to form the knee joint. The hip is a ball and socket joint. It is formed by the upper end of the thighbone - the ball-fitting into the socket, which is part of the acetabulam. The bone ends of a joint are covered with a smooth material called cartilage. The cartilage cushions the bone and allows the joint to move easily without pain. The joint is enclosed by a fibrous envelope called the synovium which produces a fluid that helps to reduce friction and wear in a joint. Ligaments connect the bones and keep the joint stable. Muscles and tendons power the joint and enable it to move. One of the body's normal reactions to injury or disease is inflammation. In an injured or diseased joint, this results in swelling, pain, and stiffness. Inflammation is usually temporary, but in arthritic joints, it may cause long-lasting or permanent disability.There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is seen in many people as they age, although it may begin when they are younger as a result of injury or overuse. It is often more painful in weight bearing joints such as the knee, hip and spine than in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints. All joints may be more affected if they are used extensively in work or sports, or if they have been damaged from fractures or other injuries. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the bone ends gradually wears away. In many cases, bone growths called "spurs" can develop in osteoarthritic joints. The joint inflammation causes pain and swelling. Continued use of the joint produces pain. Some relief may be possible through rest or modified activity.Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the joint. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint lining swells, invading surrounding tissues, and producing chemical substances that attach and destroy the joint surface. This commonly occurs in joints in the hands and feet. Larger joints such as hips, knees, and elbows also may be involved. Swelling, pain, and stiffness are usually present even when the joint is not used. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages, even children. However, more than 70% of people with this disease are over 30 years old. Many joints of the body may be involved at the same time.The goals of treatment are to provide pain relief, increase motion, and improve strength. Treatment may include: medications, joint protection (such as canes, splints, walkers, etc.), and/or surgery.At present, most types of arthritis cannot be cured. Researchers continue to make progress in finding the underlying causes for the major types of arthritis. In the meantime, orthopedists, working with other physicians and scientists, have developed many effective treatments. For more information on arthritis, visit the national Arthritis Foundation website at: http://www.arthritis.org/ and link to your local chapter.
