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Arthritis

What is arthritis?

The term arthritis is really an umbrella term for more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints.  It is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans over the age of 15.

How did I get arthritis?

Wear and tear causes calcified deposits in joints.  The cartilage at the ends of the bones deteriorates and becomes rough, causing friction.  Tendons, ligaments, and muscles attached to the joint become weak, allowing the joint to deform.  Arthritis can be a sign that there is an imbalance in your system.  When you have an imbalance, you are susceptible to various diseases which can settle in weak areas of your body.  You can check to see if there is an imbalance in your system. 

Genetics are also an important piece to the puzzle of what causes arthritis, but as best we understand the disease there are other - yet unidentified - things involved.  We do know that genes are passed along which predispose some individuals in the family to develop it (or other interesting "related" autoimmune diseases).

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The pattern and location of symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis.  Generally, people with arthritis feel pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints.  The onset of arthritis symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly.  Arthritis is most often a chronic disease, so symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.

What parts of the body can be affected by arthritis?

Most commonly, arthritis affects the hands and wrists, causing pain, swelling and warmth in the wrists and in the knuckles connecting the fingers to the hand.  It can also affect the neck, hips, knees, and feet as well as other joints in the body.

How is arthritis treated?

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis. It includes physical and occupational therapy, exercise and weight control, and medications and dietary supplements. Joint replacement surgery may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

In general, studies have shown that physical exercising of the affected joint can have noticeable improvement.  Furthermore, exercising of the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.

Can I prevent arthritis?

Depending on the form of arthritis, there are steps that can be taken to reduce your risk of arthritis.  Maintaining an appropriate body weight has been shown to decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis and gout.  Protecting your joints from injuries or overuse can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.