Arthritis Info
Arthritis News
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Arthritis
in its many forms (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic
arthritis, juvenile, etc.) is a debilitating problem for millions
of people around the world. The problem is so widespread that
an organization, the arthritis foundation, was created to help
educate and find causes and hopefully a cure for the disease.
Many suffer from joint pain and discomfort in their ankle, knee,
hip, shoulder or many other places in their body. Early diagnosis
of the condition is always good good. Sufferers seeking relief,
remedies, and treatments will find no shortage of ways to deal
with the degenerative and chronic symptoms... (continued after
the below article)
Some information on arthritis as an inflammatory disease.
Arthritis Inflammation - Arthritis - The Inflammatory Disease
by Amanda Baker
One of the most common conditions in the United States today is a debilitating inflammatory disease that affects our joints. It is estimated that there are over 100 different forms of this disease and over 40 million people suffer from one form or another. Though typically thought to be an affliction of the aging, arthritis can affect anyone at any time, and with all of the different forms, each with their own symptoms, it could be hard to determine just what type of arthritis an individual is suffering from.
The signs and symptoms of arthritis are varied, though some of the first symptoms are familiar and easy to recognize. Symptoms such as general pain or swelling around the joints, an increased stiffness in the joints in the morning, a cracking sound in the knees when standing, and joints with a red appearance that feel warm to the touch are all signs of arthritis.
However, before you rush to purchase an over-the-counter arthritis treatment, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor is the only one who will be able to tell you what form of arthritis you may have and how to treat it.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis that plagues sufferers. It affects the joints and is a systemic disease that can affect other organs. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to disappear after sometime, but the problem is still there. The true cause of rheumatoid arthritis is presently unknown, though many suggest that things such as infections, fungi, or bacteria are the culprits. However, there are also those that believe that rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary. Painful and swollen joints are a common warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by muscle pain, extreme fatigue, redness and warmth at the joints, even a low grade fever and appetite loss.
Next to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common affliction, caused by breaking down of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis commonly begins in one joint and typically only affects the one joint. It does not move to internal organs. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. By the time the pain starts setting in for an osteoarthritis sufferer, the damage to the affected joint cartilage could be considerable.
Relieving pain from a form of arthritis can be as simple as over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, in the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Being overweight can also play a role in arthritis. Some physicians believe that a change in diet can also ease the pain of arthritis, though there is a lot of debate on the topic. Regardless, you should speak to your doctor who can tell you just what form of arthritis you may have, and what treatment options may work best for you.
(continued from before the article) ...There are prescription
and over the counter drugs and medications (like Celebrex, Celecoxib,
Ketoprofen, Oruvail, Orudis, Meclofenamate, Meclomen, Naproxen,
Naprosyn, COX-2 enzyme inhibitors, and NSAIDS to name just a few)
as well as natural alternative approaches like nutritional supplements,
vitamins, natural and herbal remedies (like MSM, chondroitin,
glucosamine sulfate to name a couple). Diet and exercise are considered
by many to be a significant part of the puzzle. Wow. This can
be pretty confusing... Severe and advanced cases sometimes require
radical measures like joint replacement surgery. If you search
the Internet, you will find no shortage of facts, knowledge and
information on the matter. With so much study, clinical tests
from doctors and medical practitioners, and such broad beliefs
about the causes and cures for arthritis it is difficult to know
what the authoritative answer is. I certainly don't have it. But...
I've collected a broad range of information that I've found interesting
and informative. It's just a start... but we have to start somewhere.
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