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.
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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
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