| Over 40% of the Americans and 50% people all over the world suffer from Joint pain or Arthritis. The term "arthritis" describes the problems of inflammation of a joint, and symptoms of the condition include swelling, stiffness, and pain in the affected area. Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. Arthritis refers to many diseases that affect the joints and the muscles, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments that surround them. When a joint is inflamed, it may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. The area may also feel warm.
Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of joints in your body. There are many forms of arthritis. Over one hundred forms are discovered and the list is still growing. The forms range
from those related to wear and tear of cartilage such as osteoarthritis to those associated with inflammation resulting from an over-active immune system such as rheumatoid arthritis. Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic that is they all cause joint inflammation. Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint is also considered as a symptoms of arthritis.
The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis :
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder. In this type of arthritis cartilage between the bone joints wear away, leading to pain and stiffness. It can also cause new pieces of bone, called bone spurs, to grow around the joints. Osteoarthritis is classified as primary or secondary. Primary Osteoarthritis occurs without any type of injury or identifiable cause. Secondary Osteoarthritis is osteoarthritis due to another disease or underlying condition.
Most of the time, the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. It is primarily related to aging. However, metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can play a role in its development.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand, but can also affect joints in the feet and throughout the body
No one knows for sure what causes Rheumatoid Arthritis, although scientists are well on their way to understanding the events that lead to abnormal responses of the body's immune system. This disease is not necessarily passed on from generation to generation, but the gene that influences the tendency to have Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common in the families of people who have already have it. But still not everyone who inherits this gene will develop the disease.
Arthritis can be cured only if diagnose early. Some scientists believe that arthritis may develop in some people who abuse their joints, injure them many times or over-use them while injured. Take care not to over-work a damaged or sore joint, as this may help postpone or eliminate possible development of arthritis. Excess weight also increases the risk for developing arthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk for this. In men, being overweight increases the risk for developing gout. Maintain your recommended weight, particularly as you get older. Research shows that overweight middle-aged and older women who lose 11 pounds or more over 10 years can cut in half their risk for developing knee arthritis. Regardless of any effect on the risk of getting osteoarthritis, regular exercise especially weight-bearing exercise helps maintain physical function and slows the development of
disabilities significantly. Osteoarthritis sufferers who have low blood levels and consume inadequate amounts of vitamin D tend to have a more rapid progression of the disease. Similarly Intake of antioxidant nutrients including vitamins C, D, and E and beta-carotene has been found to be beneficial in people with osteoarthritis. You can also take help with the natural nutritional supplements present over the counter to cure Arthritis naturally. |
