What is Arthritis
James John
What is Arthriti s
Arthritis is all too well known by most of us as a source of discomfort and pain. There are different forms of arthritis, however, with distinctive symptoms and prognosis.Osteoarthritis(OA)/arthrosis is a disease mainly characterized by degenerative processes of the articular cartilage, but changes also involve the synovial membrane and the bone next to the cartilage. It is a gradual decay that most often affects the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and spinal joints) and the joints of the hand. A breakdown of the cartilage matrix leads to cracks and ulcers and a thinning of the cartilage with a loss of shock absorption. The underlying bone starts to thicken as a response to the increasing stress and bone spurs are formed. In the advanced phases of osteoarthritis, an inflammatory reaction in the synovial membrane can be seen. This severe degeneration causes pain, swelling, deformation and reduced range of motion. Traditionally osteoarthritis has been connected to aging, obesity and repeated mechanical joint stress. Predisposing factors ch as trauma or inherited abnormalities are also known to trigger degenerative changes and cause secondary osteoarthritis at even younger ages. New research is beginning to shed light on how osteoarthritis develops at the cellular and molecular levels. Arthriti s and related conditions affect nearly 43 million Americans, or about one of every six people, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. By 2020, as the baby boom generation ages, an estimated 60 million Americans will be affected by arthritis. Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans (an estimated 70 million people) is affected by one of the more than 100 types of arthritis. For most people arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis. Joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can be managed through a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, nutrition, and, in some cases, surgery. Your doctor can tell if you have arthritis through blood tests and x-rays. He or she will then be able to help you decide on the best treatment for your case. Arthritis is a chronic disease that will be with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Your treatments will probably change over time and medication may be adjusted. Having a positive mental outlook and the support of family and friends will help you live with arthritis and be able to continue to perform your daily activities.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis is a term that includes a group of disorders that affect your joints and muscles. Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and limited movement of joints. When a joint is inflamed it may be swollen, tender, warm to the touch or red. If you have experienced pain, stiffness, or swelling around a joint for more than two weeks, you should visit your physician. Only a physician can determine if you are suffering from symptoms of arthritis. You need to find out which type you have in order to start the best course of arthritis treatment. These arthritis symptoms may come up suddenly or slowly over time and may also include sleeplessness, fatigue, depression, and muscle aches. Many people will experience some difficulty functioning at home, at work or at play because of joint pain, stiffness and loss of motion regardless of the type of arthritis they have. Getting out of bed in the morning, buttoning buttons, writing, sewing, meal preparation, dressing, sleeping, walking, climbing stairs, arising from a chair or a toilet seat and attending to matters of personal hygiene may all be impaired to some degree by arthritis pain and joint stiffness. A lot of people find that impairment of mobility is more distressing to them than arthritis pain.
Arthritis medication:
Glucos amine MSM & Arnica Lotion
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Author by James John
The latest information and news on Arthritis Advice :
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Arthritis Foundation Warm Water Exercises, various times Monday-Thursday, at the Comfort Inn. No age requirement for classes and no contract to sign. Cost of class is $1 per person, per class, paid at each class attended. Scholarships are available.
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