Arthritis – What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a the inflammation of the joints. The function of the joints is to move the body where the bones connect. The definition of arthritis is inflammation of a joint or joints. The pain felt in the joints from arthritis is called arthralgia.

There are over 100 forms of arthritis. A few types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis which is causes inflammation on the joints due to an active immune system, osteoarthritis is the break down of cartilage that is found on the end of the bone. Osteoporosis is the weakening of the bones and is most predominately found in women going through menopause. Carpal Tunnel is when the nerve that is found in the forearm and extends to the hand presses or is squeezed near the wrist. This nerve is called the median nerve. Gout or goudy arthritis attacks are caused by an overload of uric acid in the body. The overload leads to the build up of uric acid crystals which attach to the tissues of the body especially in the joints. Lyme Disease is an infection transmitted through a tick bite. The bacteria causes inflammation of the joints as well as other organs in the body.

Arthritis Symptoms and Causes

Different types of arthritis have different causes. Injury, genetics, infection and immune system disorders can all be causes. Symptoms and causes will vary from person to person. They all do have the following in common, it affects muscles, cartilage, joints and tendons but could also lead to complications in other organs in the body. Symptoms of arthritis can include inflammation of the joints, redness, warmth and swelling. Flare ups will usually cause tenderness on the effected area to the touch. Not all symptoms will occur in the joints. Fever, weight loss, fatigue and gland swelling can also be symptoms.

Arthritis Treatment

Below are different types of treatment. There are other methods of treatment besides taking medications.

Below are non-medication arthritis treatments.

• Heat and Cold treatments can be effective such as heating pads or wraps or a warm bath.
• Scheduling time with a mesuse. Massage therapy can be good for joint pain.
• Using a brace or splint can ease joint pain.
• Weight loss will aid in relieving joint pain. You may need a lifestyle adjustment as well. If you are normally an active person you may have to scale back on physical activity.
• There are also electronic pulse treatments available usually in the form of a brace or strap that sends small electronic pulses that can ease the tendons and tissue around joints.

Below are medications for arthritis treatment.

• The most common medication is acetaminophen or Analgesics. These types of medications are used for pain relief.
• Another medication is NSAIDs. These are both anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications. These types of medications are known to have more serious side effects when used for a prolonged period of time. Please see a physician before taking any type of medication.

Other various types of arthritis treatment.

• There are rubbing ointments and sprays that have some effectiveness for joint pain.
• You can also get corticosteroid injections. This type of treatment are used only for short term relief.
• There are also other oral treatments such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.

Please see a physician before trying any of the above arthritis treatments.

To learn more about different types please visit the following informational sites.
Gout or goudy arthritis Information
Lyme Disease Information