by Shannon Chicoine

Created on: May 05, 2008

Arthritis is a painful disease that affects the joints of the body, mostly in people over fifty experiencing a deterioration of the bones. The joints are often swollen, stiff, and red causing intense pain. There are many different types of arthritis where joints can become difficult to move or even disfigured. Our joints are enclosed in a coating of liquid and tissue which allows easy movement, without the coating bones rub together and create friction. Extend your hand, and imagine all the joints in your fingers as you wiggle them. If those joints did not have their protective coating, this simple exercise would be very painful.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis taking place typically in joints like the hip and knee. This degenerative joint disease is caused primarily by age, injury, or infection. Osteoarthritis can also be caused by habitually working with your hands and a poor diet resulting in obesity which adds stress to the joints. The most overwhelming form of arthritis affects more women than men and is called Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks people of all ages, even some children. It is a long term illness commonly affecting joints in the knees, hands, and feet. With this disease the body's immune system turns on itself by attacking the joints, tissue, cartilage and bone. Gout is another common form of arthritis. It occurs when the immune system is unable to control uric acid in the body. Men are more prone to getting gout which affects toes, knees, and wrist joints usually. There is also a form of arthritis that can prevent growth in young children if not diagnosed and treated properly. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include fever, joint pain, and swelling. Although permanent damage is rare now, effects of the disease have been know to damage the eyes, lungs, heart, and nervous system. Often called Still's disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can be treated the same way as adult rheumatoid arthritis.

Some of the signs that you may be suffering with arthritis are pain, difficulty moving joints, swelling, and redness for longs periods of time. If you find it difficult to do things that where easily done before, such as knitting, typing, or gardening, you should schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent worsening symptoms, such as sleeplessness and weakness. Avoiding a diagnosis can cause permanent damage to joints as well as great pain.

After being diagnosed with arthritis your physician is likely to recommend a combination of exercise and prescriptions along with a suggested balanced. Physicians generally advise physical therapy to exercise the arthritic joints and prevent additional damage. In severe cases where there is significant damage to joints or bone abnormalities, surgery may be an option. In some cases simulated joints are implanted when the original joint can not be saved. Make sure to discuss with your doctor whether heat or cold should be used for pain. Typically taking a warm bath or applying a heating pad relieves some pain. An ice pack or cold towel may also free you of pain and inflammation as long as you don't have poor circulation.

Arthritis is a painful disease, but with early detection and treatment by a physician you can prevent additional injury and reduce pain. Advances are being made in medicine everyday to help arthritis patients cope with their disease. Although there is no cure as of yet, everyday activities are becoming easier thanks to breakthrough medications. These new medications can allow the lives of those affected by arthritis to lead normal lives and control their pain.

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