Arthritis Q&A
November 6, 2001 | 12:00am
Q1. If I don’t treat my arthritis, what will happen to me?
Some arthritic attacks come singly. They may be resolved spontaneously within a few days without "residuals." Anti-inflammatory agents help you stop the pain and swelling. Individuals that can withstand the pain may choose not to take any medicine. However, it is difficult to predict if the individual is suffering from a self-limiting type of arthritis or not.
On the other hand, most of the arthritides attacks come in series or may become persistent. They may cause irreversible damage to the joint and surrounding structures. Improper treatment may lead to decreased muscle mass (atrophy), flexion contracture, deformities, osteoporosis, poor quality of life, and dependency.
Q2. Can a pregnant woman with arthritis have the possibility of giving birth to a baby with arthritis?
No. Aches and pains of the extremities that occur during pregnancy are usually reversible and non-life threatening. While patients with pre-existing arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis usually go into inactive state or remission during pregnancy, it can recur after delivery. There are no reports saying that arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis can directly be transmitted from mother to baby immediately upon delivery. However, patients with SLE (e.g. connective tissue disease associated with arthritis) may experience "flares" during pregnancy and may give birth to a baby with congenital lupus (heart block dermatitis, hepatitis). In general, patients with family history of inheritable arthritides do not transmit the disease to their children immediately.
Q3. Can an arthritic patient drive his car?
Yes, particularly if the arthritis is not active (e.g. patient is not in pain). Patients with damaged joints may likewise use assistive devices to be functional. However, patients with painful joints and altered reflexes must temporarily give-up driving for safety reasons. Machine operations and climbing high should also be discouraged.
Dr. Perry P. Tan is a rheumatologist, founder and head of the Rayuma Klinik of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) and consultant at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Some arthritic attacks come singly. They may be resolved spontaneously within a few days without "residuals." Anti-inflammatory agents help you stop the pain and swelling. Individuals that can withstand the pain may choose not to take any medicine. However, it is difficult to predict if the individual is suffering from a self-limiting type of arthritis or not.
On the other hand, most of the arthritides attacks come in series or may become persistent. They may cause irreversible damage to the joint and surrounding structures. Improper treatment may lead to decreased muscle mass (atrophy), flexion contracture, deformities, osteoporosis, poor quality of life, and dependency.
Q2. Can a pregnant woman with arthritis have the possibility of giving birth to a baby with arthritis?
No. Aches and pains of the extremities that occur during pregnancy are usually reversible and non-life threatening. While patients with pre-existing arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis usually go into inactive state or remission during pregnancy, it can recur after delivery. There are no reports saying that arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis can directly be transmitted from mother to baby immediately upon delivery. However, patients with SLE (e.g. connective tissue disease associated with arthritis) may experience "flares" during pregnancy and may give birth to a baby with congenital lupus (heart block dermatitis, hepatitis). In general, patients with family history of inheritable arthritides do not transmit the disease to their children immediately.
Q3. Can an arthritic patient drive his car?
Yes, particularly if the arthritis is not active (e.g. patient is not in pain). Patients with damaged joints may likewise use assistive devices to be functional. However, patients with painful joints and altered reflexes must temporarily give-up driving for safety reasons. Machine operations and climbing high should also be discouraged.
Dr. Perry P. Tan is a rheumatologist, founder and head of the Rayuma Klinik of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) and consultant at St. Luke’s Medical Center.
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