Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It involves the breakdown of cartilage. Without the correct cartilage the bones rub together and cause pain,swelling and stiffness. Usually the it goes away after it is treated, sometimes it does not. When this happens, forms chronic arthritis.
There are different forms of Arthritis.
The most common is Osteoarthritis (denenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma, joint infection by bacteria/virus or age. Other forms are Rheumatoid arthritis in adults, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children), Psoriatic arthritis, Scleroderma, Gout, Ankylosing spondylitis, Septic arthritis and Related Autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms:
Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness (difficulty to move), Redness of a skin around the joint, and limited movement.
Treatments:
This disease cannot be cured completely.The only treatment is to reduce the pain and prevent further damage.Acetaminophen,ibuprofen are some of the medicines used to reduce pain.
* Lifestyle changes and some exercise, Massaging,Ice /Heat can also relieve pain and improve bone and muscle strength.
* Do not sit/stand in one position for too long.
* Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, which contain important vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseed, soybean,walnuts etc.
* Weight loss can greatly improve joint pain in the legs and feet.
* Sleep well
Some types of arthritis may cause joint deformity. This may be a sign of severe, untreated rheumatoid arthritis.
