Erosive Inflammatory Osteoarthritis
I was unaware of it, but this condition is different from what we commonly know as Osteoarthritis. It usually occurs suddenly in middle-aged women and affects mainly the fingers.
This makes it difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms closely resemble those of RA or psoriatic arthritis; stiffness, swelling, pain, bony nodules, aching at the base of the thumb and just like with RA, it becomes harder being able to grasp and hold things and do every day tasks.
It is not really clear what causes erosive osteoarthritis, but hormones, metabolic disorders and a decreased auto-immune system seem to be the main culprits.
Your physician should be able to diagnose it due to the physical symptoms and x-rays. Bloodtests are of no avail, since erosive inflammatory Osteoarthritis will not show up; it will illiminate the possibility of any other forms of arthritis though.
It is important to detect this type of Osteoarthritis as soon as possible in order to prevent severe damage of the joints, deformities of the hands, limited function and to stop or slow down the condition. Treatment consists of medications like NSAIDs such as prednisone, steroid injections, splints, physical or occupational therapy and surgery.
I sympathise and empathise with those of you who are suffering from erosive inflammatory Osteoarthritis; I know too well how painful and frustrating it is being limited by a condition like this.
However, God knows our suffering and it is a comfort to know He is always by our side and when He closes one door, He will open another!
Isaiah 41:13
For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
This makes it difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms closely resemble those of RA or psoriatic arthritis; stiffness, swelling, pain, bony nodules, aching at the base of the thumb and just like with RA, it becomes harder being able to grasp and hold things and do every day tasks.
It is not really clear what causes erosive osteoarthritis, but hormones, metabolic disorders and a decreased auto-immune system seem to be the main culprits.
Your physician should be able to diagnose it due to the physical symptoms and x-rays. Bloodtests are of no avail, since erosive inflammatory Osteoarthritis will not show up; it will illiminate the possibility of any other forms of arthritis though.
It is important to detect this type of Osteoarthritis as soon as possible in order to prevent severe damage of the joints, deformities of the hands, limited function and to stop or slow down the condition. Treatment consists of medications like NSAIDs such as prednisone, steroid injections, splints, physical or occupational therapy and surgery.
I sympathise and empathise with those of you who are suffering from erosive inflammatory Osteoarthritis; I know too well how painful and frustrating it is being limited by a condition like this.
However, God knows our suffering and it is a comfort to know He is always by our side and when He closes one door, He will open another!
Isaiah 41:13
For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
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