Arthritis Information

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints on any part of the body.  It is one of the most common diseases diagnosed in people all over the world. There are hundreds of varieties of this rheumatic disease that cause pain and stiffness mainly in joints. The joint irritation is the result of a decrease of cartilage in the joint causing bone to rub against bone.

The main types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage within the joints - especially the weight-bearing joints of knees and hips.  In some severe cases, the cartilage completely wears away leaving a bone-on-bone joint. Deformity of the joints is the final result of Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that leads to joint inflammation caused by changes in the synovial fluid and joint lining. Stiffness, inflammation and lots of pain and dysfunction of joints are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Other parts of the body may also be affected by Rheumatoid arthritis. A blood test is the only way to diagnose if one has Rheumatoid arthritis.  This is the most serious type of arthritis.

Gout is the third type of arthritis. It is the body’s reaction to crystals formed from uric acid that accumulate in various joints of the body.  Like other types of arthritis, gout causes irritation, swelling, and pain in the affected joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed for patients with arthritis.  When irritation is reduced, the erosion process of the joints slows down. Usually arthritis is treated with aspirin one of the most popular anti-inflammatory drug.
In addition to medication, there are a few other remedies for getting temporary relief from the pain of arthritis.  

Holding a heat pack to the joint for 15 to 20 minutes daily is particularly helpful in reducing arthritis pain. Hydrotherapy and water exercises are helpful in soothing the stiffened joints. Traction and massage are widely used methods for reducing pain and increasing joint activity and flexibility. The Chinese method of Acupuncture proves to be useful for the relief of arthritis pain.  Acupuncture stimulates the brain to emit endorphins, the natural painkillers of body.