Practical Approach to Arthritis

Definition

Arthritis may be the oldest disease ever recorded.  Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints with accompanying pain, swelling, stiffness and redness.  The term arthritis does not refer to a single disease, but rather to a number of joints diseases which may result from a variety of causes.  Osteoarthritis, which typically effects older people or animals, is the most common form.  Rheumatoid arthritis, which can occur at any age, is one of the most destructive forms of the disease.

Arthritis may be limited to only one joint or may affect many.  It can range from mild aching to severe, debilitating pain, which can result in eventual joint deformities.  Arthritis is a leading cause of physical disability in the United States. 

Causes:

 While rainy weather does not cause arthritis, it definitely seems to aggravate the condition.  Arthritis may be caused by a number of circumstances such as endocrine disorders, a defect in the immune system, genetic predisposition, a complication of other diseases, or as the result of an infection.  In addition, injury or surgery, excessive mobility, age-related changes in the joints may also cause arthritis.  Osteoarthritis, which is a natural consequence of aging joints, attacks the knees, hips, and figures.  It occurs when the cartilage cushion which lines the joints become stiffer and rougher; consequently, bone can actually overgrow the joint area, causing swelling and decreased mobility.  In its final stages, the pain may actually subside; however, the joint is no longer functional.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe time of the disease and is classified as an autoimmune disorder.  The body's immune system attacks against the joints and surrounding tissue the same way it would attack an unwanted invader.  Joints in the hands, feet and arms become extremely painful, stiff and eventually deformed.  This type of arthritis can affect the entire body.

Symptoms:

The following symptoms are typically experienced by arthritis sufferers:

• Early morning stiffness

• swelling

• recurring tenderness in warm or joints

• changes in the ability to move a joint

• redness or a feeling of warmth in joints

• unexplained weight loss

• fever

• weakness associated with joint pain

• or discomfort

In the cases of rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms may disappear during periods of remission.  Emotional stress does not cause arthritis, but does seem to worsen its systems.

Treatments

Arthritis relief can be easily accomplished with Opti Flesrasil. If you are allergic to shellfish then you will want to read about Flesrasil-v a vegetarian glucosamine product. It is recommended that you keep your body balanced by taking Vitamins and Minerels.