What is Arthritis
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:
Wobenzy
m N
Inflam
Away
Glucos
amine MSM & Arnica Lotion
Advaca
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