Skeletal System Disorders

A. Arthritis

• Describes over 100 different inflammatory or degenerative diseases

1. Osteoarthritis

• M• Chronic and

degenerative disease that usually affects older people

• The cartilage

• This • Results in stiffness,

usually in the • Treat with mild pain

killers, moderate activity, and rest IF it becomes painful

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis• Chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease• Autoimmune-• Onset is usually

• Frequently affects the fingers, wrists, ankles and feet (symmetrically)

• Periods • Treated with

methotrexate and cyclosporin which help prevent deformities

• Exercise is VITAL

3. Gout

• Uric acid builds up in the blood and may be deposited as needle-sharp crystals in the soft tissues of joints

• Extremely

4. Osteoporosis

• Bone-thinning disease that affects half of the women in the U.S. over 65 (20% of men over 70)

• Bones• Estrogen

• Poor

5. Leukemia

• General • Symptoms: bone pain, excess fatigue, easy bruising,

night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and bleeding gums

• Leukemia prevents the body from fighting infections.

• Treatments: