What is arthritis?
Dr.Kut | Feb 19, 2010 | Comments 0
The bone structure of the human body functions in a very systematic way. The bones are joined at different specific places by ligaments. These joints are then covered by cartilages and the joint contains a synovial fluid that allows the cartilage to remain flexible and allow full movement of the joint. Inflammation of the joints is called arthritis.
When a person suffers from arthritis, the join will be swollen, red and tender, and you will be experiencing severe pain while bending that joint at all times. The most common known forms of arthritis are the rheumatoid arthritis, the osteoarthritis and the gout.
Arthritis is unfortunately one of the most common diseases in the USA with about 80 million people of the age of 60 and above suffering from arthritis on regular basis. Since arthritis is considered to be a chronic disease, cure of the disease is almost impossible; however there are many treatments that you can find that will help you cope with this painful situation.
There are about 100 different types of arthritis. Of them all, one of the most common ones is osteoarthritis. This particular kind of arthritis affects the cartilage of the joint and it normally attacks the large and harder working joints like the knees, hips, feet and hands, low back and neck.
Now other type of arthritis which is very common is the rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis does not only affect the joint and it can spread to the tissue of the skin, lungs, eyes and even blood vessels. It is considered to be an autoimmune disease which goes against the body systems and starts to attack the joins creating all the symptoms that arthritis people get and at the same time creating havoc in the balance. Rheumatoid arthritis functions in a symmetrical pattern where if you are having problems with the left knee, it is most certain that you will next be having problems with your right knee as well.
Gout is another common form of arthritis where the patient is unable to get rid of uric acid in a normal manner. This acid then accumulates in the joints of the knees, heels and ankles and toes and it can be extremely painful. The reasons for this ailment is not fully known, however, stress, alcohol and drug abuse and low immune system can be the causes of gout.
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Filed Under: Bones, Joints and Muscles
