Joint Disorders: Arthritis

     Arthritis has been one of the most common joint disorders. To understand what Arthritis is, you should first know what is a  joint and then understand how Arthritis is caused in the joints. A joint is the point where two bones meet and the area that allows bones to articulate. Another way to refer to Arthritis is bone inflammation, and that is exactly what happens at the joints. There is nerves and other tissues that lie between and around these joints. In Arthritis these nerves are swollen which causes pain when the joints are forced to articulate. There is many types of Arthritis and the causes of Arthritis depends on this. There is types of Arthritis that are caused by injuries to the joints, others can also be hereditary.

   The most common type of Arthritis though is due to age. Arthritis is most commonly found in overaged people although there is no specific age. The reason for this is because the tissues in between the joints are wasted and thin as the years go by. This causes friction and begins to injure the joints, this being one of the factors that causes Arthritis. Unfortunately there is no cure for the disorder, there is only pain relievers. If you are wondering if you have Arthritis or someone you may know some symptoms are stiffness at joints, pain and limited of the joints. Arthritis is also most commonly found in women, this research was last done by the Arthritis Foundation. There was 24.3 million women found to have Arthritis and 17.1 million in men.

"Arthritis Medication, Prevention, Symptoms, Treatment and Causes by MedicineNet.com." Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/article.htm>.


"Arthritis Facts." Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.arthritis.org/facts.php>.

Bone Fracture: Healing and Treatment

 Have you or a friend ever had a cast because of a fractured bone? If you have then you probably know that they are quite painful! The reason for this is well, because the end of  the bone has been broken and put out of place. It is important for a person to immediately get attended, so that the treatment can soon begin and the bone can heal quickly. The first step to helping treat a bone fracture is the X-ray. One's fractured bone has to be specificly identified in terms of location and type of bone. Another important factor is the age of the person, since adults and kids have bone at different stages.The key to the healing of a bone is time and depending on the type of bone the doctor will be able to tell how long it will take for the bone to heal. All of this is done so by the placing of a cast, this will imobilize that section that is hurt and will allow for the bone to realign. All of this is done so by a procedure called fracture reduction. Before the cast is placed it is important to have all the ends of bones aligned, so that when the arm is immobilized it will heal correctly. This procedure can be very painful and for that reason it is often done so under IV sedation.

There is not medication given to heal the fracture becaue the bone heals by the renewing of tissue.There can be medicine prescribed for easing of the pain. Very similar to skin it is automatic but the reason why it is important to get a cast is because if the bones are not aligned correctly then it is possible for the boe to heal incorrectly also known as malunion or non union.  Maunion is the healing of a deformed bone and nonunion is a bone that is resistant to any form of treatment. At the moment of the fracture there is bleeding at the site of the fracture which then clots and is also what makes the area swell. Lastly if the fracture is more serious then it is possible for the doctor to have what is called fracture surgery. At this point the doctor has identified a bigger problem which usually means that the bone will not be able to heal by itself or will be in nonunion/malunion. this is usually subject to screws and or plates, placed at the ed of the bones. Of course this is will be a much longer process of healing.

Nonunion on Leg bones

Malunion at the wrist

CURIOUS to know how long a specific bone will take to heal?

• Wrist fracture healing time – 3 to 4 weeks
• Fibula fracture healing time – 4 t0 6 weeks
• Tibia fracture healing time – 4 to 6 weeks
• Ankle fracture healing time – 5 to 8 weeks
• Rib fracture healing time – 4 to 5 weeks
• Jones fracture healing time – 3 to 5 weeks
• Foot fracture healing time – 3 to 4 weeks
• Metatarsal fracture healing time – 5 to 6 weeks
• Metacarpal fracture healing time – 3 to 4 weeks
• Hairline fracture healing time – 2 to 4 weeks
• Finger fracture healing time – 2 to 3 weeks
• Toe fracture healing time – 2 to 4 weeks

"Bone Fractures,types and Symtops." Bone Fracture Types, Symptoms, Healing, Repair, Treatment and Pictures. 2010. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. <http://www.bonefractures.org/>.


"Bone Fracture Healing | Orthoped." Orthopedic Treatment Advice by Specialist Doctor | Orthoped. 2010. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. <http://www.orthoped.org/bone-fracture-healing.html>.


"Malunion And Nonunion Of Fracture - Medical Disability Guidelines." Disability Guidelines – Return to Work Durations and Treatment - MDGuidelines. MD Guidelines, 2012. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. <http://www.mdguidelines.com/malunion-and-nonunion-of-fracture>.


By: Marina Pulido
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Group members:
Mayra Hernandez
Lisa Jimenez