What is Arthritis?

Overview

Arthritis is not just a single disease; it is a collective term, meaning, "joint inflammation". Pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, and a decrease of movement are common side effects of arthritis. Other parts of the body can also undergo severe pain or swelling, such as the bones, muscles, and internal organs.

What causes Arthritis?

Arthritis can be caused by several reasons. It could be that your body is attacking itself, the cartilage could be wearing away, the joints could be lacking fluid, etc. Factors contributing to arthritis could be:

• Genetics - Genetics can cause arthritis depending on the family history with this disease.
• Weight - Excess body weight usually gives arthritis in the hips and knees because of the amount of weight that the joints have to support.
• Age - Arthritis increases with age because the cartilage (covers the bone surface to avoid bones rubbing together and making it easy for the joints to work smoothly) becomes weaker and more sensitive, making it difficult for it to heal.
• Previous injuries - Any past major injuries could cause arthritis because irregularities can be caused in the joints.
• Illnesses or infections - People with previous joint infection or other medical conditions are more likely to get arthritis.
• Work hazards - People who work in assembly lines or construction are very likely to get arthritis because of the constant use of the hands.

What causes Arthritis?

There are over 100 different types of arthritis diseases. The most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) - With OA cartilage becomes stiff due to loss of elasticity. Cartilage gradually wears away, causing tendons and ligaments to stretch out, causing severe pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - RA is caused when the synovial membrane is attacked resulting inflammation accompanied by pain. This should be treated immediately to avoid deformity.
• •Septic Arthritis (SA) - SA is infection in the tissues and synovial fluid of the joints, caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Arthritis News and Articles

Ending Joint Pain, Arthritis and Gout

Joint pain, arthritis and gout are conditions experienced by millions of people and something any sufferer wishes they could end immediately. It can cause anything from a dull, annoying pain to sharp, life-altering pains that even medicine won't always alleviate. But if you suffer from one of these common afflictions there are ways to end the pain over time.

Natural Solutions Relieve and Eliminate Joint Pain

The body's joints are essentially connections between bones; they enable the body's skeleton to perform various movements. Unfortunately, there are many damaging things that can afflict joints and prohibit mobility: injury, obesity, aging, and repetitive motion can all wear down joints greatly. People with these ailments suffer unending joint pain. Thankfully, mother nature provides a few antidotes that can relieve joint pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet

Following a diet suggested by your doctor is important in reducing some of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some of the suggestions for a proper diet include eating the right kind of fats, integrating multivitamins and other vitamins into your daily regimen, and keeping some foods out of your diet. Inflammation is a major cause of pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis.