Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Complications of Arthritis

In the long term, arthritis can produce worsening pain, loss of mobility, and sometimes may make walking difficult or impossible. Depression often accompanies this condition.

General effects of rheumatoid arthritis may include loss of appetite and weight, tiredness, muscle pain, lumps (nodules) under the skin, inflammation of tendons, and problems affecting the sight. The blood disorder anaemia and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) sometimes develop.

Some treatments have side-effects that cause additional problems. NSAIDs may damage the stomach and digestive system and may also  be associated with kidney problems in some people. Corticosteroids can cause reduction in bone density (osteoporosis – leading to increased risk of fractures) and may also lead to the development of shingles, cataracts, diabetes. 

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