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| Skeletal Disorders |
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| Arthritis |
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| Arthritis is a common disease of old age. It is characterised by pain and stiffness in the joints. There is no cure and only analgesics can be used. |
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| Based on the causative agents there are 3 types of Arthritis. |
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| Osteo-arthritis |
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| Osteo-arthritis is charaterised by degenerative changes in the cartilage present at the joints, stoppage of secretion of lubricant -- synovial fluid and cartilages at the end of the bones are replaced by bony spur. Finally the bones fuse and the joints become totally immovable. This serious condition is called ankyloris. |
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| Rheumatoid arthritis |
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| Rheumatoid arthritis involves the painful inflammation of the synovial membranes of the joints. This also leads to deformities of the joints. |
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| Gout |
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| Gout is characterised by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the synovial joints. It generally attacks the great toe. |
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| Osteoporosis |
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| Osteoporosis is the most common of all bone diseases in adults, especially in old age. It is characterised by decrease in density of bones due to loss of calcium and phosphorus due to decreased osteoblastic activity. |
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| Osteoporosis is caused by one of the following causes: |
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| i. Malnutrition so as to sufficient protein matrix of bone is not formed. |
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| ii. Lack of physical activities for the bones. |
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| iii. Deficiency of estrogens after menopause which results in decreased deposition of calcium and phosphate in bones. |
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| iv. Lack of vitamin c. |
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| v. Old age where there is decreased secretion of growth hormone and other growth factors leading to decreased deposition of bone matrix. |
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