Goldshield - Arthritis Basics

Arthritis Basics

Arthritis is a general term which is applied to a number of painful conditions affecting the joints and bones. There are about 100 different types of arthritis.

Arthritis actually means "joint inflammation." Inflammation is one of the body's natural reactions to disease or injury, and includes swelling, pain and stiffness. Inflammation that lasts for a very long time or recurs, as in arthritis, can lead to tissue damage.

A joint is where two or more bones come together, such as the hip or knee.

The bones of a joint are covered with a smooth, spongy material called cartilage, which cushions the bones and allows the joint to move without pain. The joint is enclosed in a fibrous casing called the synovium. The synovium's lining produces a slippery fluid - called synovial fluid - that nourishes the joint and helps limit friction within. Strong bands of tissue, called ligaments, connect the bones and help keep the joint stable. Muscles and tendons also support the joints and enable you to move.

With arthritis, an area in or around a joint becomes inflamed, causing pain, stiffness and, sometimes, difficulty moving. Some types of arthritis also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin and internal organs.

Some of the more common types include:

Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis. It is sometimes called degenerative arthritis because it involves the breakdown of cartilage and bones. This causes pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis usually affects the fingers and weight-bearing joints, including the knees, feet, hip and back. It affects both men and women, and usually occurs after ade 45.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can strike at any age, but usually between ages 20 and 50. In rheumatoid arthritis, a fault in the body's defense or immune system causes inflammation that begins in the joint lining and then damages both cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Hands, wrists, feet, knees, ankles, shoulders and elbows can be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men.

Gout
Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Gout is more common in men than in women.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Different types of arthritis have different symptoms and the symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Osteoarthritis does not generally cause any symptoms outside the joint.

Symptoms of other types or arthritis may include fatigue, fever, a rash and the signs of joint inflammation, including:

Pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Tenderness
Redness
Warmth

Causes of Arthritis

The cause of most types or arthritis in not known. Reaserchers are examining the role of genetics (heredity) and lifestyle behaviours in the development of arthritis.

There are several risk factors for arthritis - a risk factor is a trait or behaviour that increases a person's chance of developing a disease or predisposes a person to a certain condition. Risk factors for arthritis include:

Age
The risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age.

Gender
In general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men.

Obesity
Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear and tear, and increasing the risk of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.

Work Factors
Some jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress thejoints and/or cause an injury, which can lead to arthritis.

Treatment

There are no cure-alls for arthtitis, but there are a variety of pain relief treatment strategies. Aside from medications, remedies, replacement alternatives and other helpful treatment options and alternatives, the four main arthritis relief aids are:

Gentle Exercise
Good nutrition
A positive attitude
Rest

Education also plays a huge role to dispel "old wives tales" and myths that "nothing can be done about arthritis."

Notably is that today, only a small percentage of those afflicted with arthritis become crippled. And most never need canes, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory devices.

A walk through understanding arthritis better

Conquering Arthritis

Exercises for Arthritis

Arthritis Pain Relief

Ways to protect your joints