Muscle Wasting With Arthritis

Most people are familiar with moderate arthritis that causes cramping in the hands due to stiffness in the joints. Arthritis results from bone rubbing against bone. Joints that aren't used because of severe pain can lead to an additional medical concern, muscle wasting.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of arthritis include swelling, soreness and stiffness in the body's joints. Bone degrading can occur in rheumatoid arthritis, causing lack of movement in the joint and muscle wasting in the surrounding area. Muscle wasting is often characterized by weakness in the muscle and lack of muscle tone.

Diagnosis

• Arthritis is typically diagnosed through X-rays. Blood work may be ordered to ensure the symptoms are not caused by other conditions. Muscle wasting due to arthritis is diagnosed through visual examination.

Treatment

• Treatment for arthritis and muscle wasting depends upon the type of arthritis. Some arthritis requires surgery to smooth out the joints and alleviate some of the pain. Cartilage replacement surgery is an option in some cases. Other patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication. Muscle wasting is treated through use of the muscle.

Prognosis

• Arthritis is a degenerative disease that has no cure. Drugs can slow the disease's progress. Pain relief allows movement in the joints that can reverse muscle wasting.

Prevention

• Some forms of arthritis are genetic and cannot be prevented. Other forms of the disease result from a lack of proper nutrition or insufficient exercise. There is no evidence that cracking your knuckles or other joints will cause arthritis.