Arthritis Q&A
November 23, 2001 | 12:00am
Q1. In one of your lectures, you did mention that sending text messages might cause arthritis. Is that true?
Theoretically, the answer is yes.
Have you tried playing computer games? Sending text messages several times a day? Did you notice that your finger joints are a little bit sore; and if you try to press it; it’s a little bit painful? Yes, that is soft tissue Rheumatism coupled with Arthralgia. Repetitive trauma is one of the main etiologic factors for the development of osteoarthritis (e.g. wear and tear of cartilage). After a certain period of abusive usage of our hand joints, it is very likely to develop hand osteoarthritis. Texting is a recent innovation, at the moment our hands may still look normal, but in years to come, unwanted changes may be seen; which is most likely bony swelling of the joints suggestive of osteoarthritis.
Q2. Does strenuous exercise help improve arthritis?
No, strenuous exercise may further damage the joints. One should have a gentle graduated exercise program and conserve the damaged joint. On the other hand, lack of movement and activity of daily living may lead into atrophy of muscles. Elderly patients should pay attention to their cardio pulmonary function.
Q3. Whenever I have my arthritic attacks, I felt feverish and chilly. Is that common?
Yes, the word arthritis means inflammation of the joint, it is associated with swelling, reddening, warmth and tenderness. It is commonly associated with fever and chills; the white blood cell count may sometimes increase, which give us a misconception of infection.
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.
Theoretically, the answer is yes.
Have you tried playing computer games? Sending text messages several times a day? Did you notice that your finger joints are a little bit sore; and if you try to press it; it’s a little bit painful? Yes, that is soft tissue Rheumatism coupled with Arthralgia. Repetitive trauma is one of the main etiologic factors for the development of osteoarthritis (e.g. wear and tear of cartilage). After a certain period of abusive usage of our hand joints, it is very likely to develop hand osteoarthritis. Texting is a recent innovation, at the moment our hands may still look normal, but in years to come, unwanted changes may be seen; which is most likely bony swelling of the joints suggestive of osteoarthritis.
Q2. Does strenuous exercise help improve arthritis?
No, strenuous exercise may further damage the joints. One should have a gentle graduated exercise program and conserve the damaged joint. On the other hand, lack of movement and activity of daily living may lead into atrophy of muscles. Elderly patients should pay attention to their cardio pulmonary function.
Q3. Whenever I have my arthritic attacks, I felt feverish and chilly. Is that common?
Yes, the word arthritis means inflammation of the joint, it is associated with swelling, reddening, warmth and tenderness. It is commonly associated with fever and chills; the white blood cell count may sometimes increase, which give us a misconception of infection.
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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