Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain and tightness in numerous joints, tendons and muscles throughout the body. The chances of developing arthritis increase as people grow older. Arthritis can also occur in young people, although instances of that occurring are far more unusual.

There are many types of arthritis, and each presents its own set of symptoms, causes and treatment challenges. One of the most common types of arthritis is Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the body's many peripheral joints including the knees, toes and fingers. Often times, arthritis is a chronic condition that requires a certain amount of lifelong care, whether that comes in the form of physical therapy, doctor's visits, medication or changes in lifestyle habits. People with arthritis are often urged to stay away from certain activities that may strain the affected joints in their bodies.

How does arthritis occur?

Arthritis can be brought on by several factors; some people will develop arthritis no matter what they do, while other types of arthritis can be brought on by outside circumstances. Arthritis is often brought on by genetic factors. People with arthritis running in their family may be more prone to developing the condition. Other hereditary issues such as obesity can also contribute to the onset of arthritis. Medical research continues to find evidence supporting the claim that arthritis can be brought on by genetic factors.

Other factors can also cause arthritis. Athletes and laborers are prone to developing arthritis in certain parts of their bodies that have been stressed over the years; for example, football players often develop arthritis in their knees, hands and ankles. Age plays a large role in the development or arthritis, because as people get older the body cannot recover from stress as easily.

Injuries can also cause arthritis. Some injuries can cause severe trauma to joints, bones and tendons, and that damage may not heal properly over time. This can cause unnatural stress to be placed on parts of the body, which can ultimately lead to the onset of arthritis. Physical therapy is often recommended for the treatment of serious injuries to prevent complications such as arthritis from occurring in the future.

Living with arthritis

Millions of Americans live with arthritis. This inflammatory disease can be painful and frustrating, but arthritis symptoms are usually managed through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Many people with arthritis can live near-normal lives without giving up the things they love to do, although some sacrifices may be required to live pain-free. Medical research continues to produce new medications for treating arthritis pain. Remember that if you're diagnosed with any form of arthritis, you are not alone.

Arthritis symptoms: know the signs

Arthritis is a painful inflammatory disease that can affect numerous joints in the body. As you get older, you may notice certain joints, tendons or muscles tend to hurt on a somewhat regular basis. Are you experiencing the onset of arthritis? How do you know for certain?

There are many different types of arthritis, and each type carries its own signs and symptoms. If you feel that you may have arthritis, schedule an evaluation with your doctor for more specific information. In the meantime, this site has several classic warning signs that may signal the onset of minor or serious arthritic conditions.

Pain and swelling

Pain and swelling of the arms, legs, feet and other body parts often signal that trouble is occurring beneath the skin. It's highly unusual for this type of swelling to occur if you haven't recently been stressed or injured. A classic sign of rheumatoid arthritis – one of the most common forms of the disease – is joint pain all on one side of the body, especially after waking up in the morning. See your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Fevers can indicate an infection in the body as your immune system fights to ward off harmful viruses or bacteria. With this in mind, unusual fevers can signal the onset of infections arthritis. Infections that cause this form of arthritis can be contracted as typical illnesses are contracted, or they can start after undergoing a surgery or medical injection.

Joint pain is another classic sign of arthritis, and perhaps one of the most telling signs as well. Arthritic joint pain can come as a dull ache or in sharp stabs. Sometimes, the joint area may seem tender to the touch. When you have arthritis, your joints become inflamed and irritable, causing abnormal pain when you walk, climb stairs or lift heavy objects. There are many medical conditions and injuries that can cause joint pain, so it's important to see a doctor and be evaluated if you're feeling discomfort in your joints.

Arthritis symptom: pain without injury

Some people develop arthritis after suffering a serious injury, but many people experience the onset of arthritis seemingly out of the blue. That's because arthritis is usually a condition developed following months or years of abuse on the body. Age is a large factor in the development of arthritis, and most people suddenly notice symptoms of the disease once they begin reaching old age. People who are overly active in their younger years may also develop arthritis years after decreasing their overall levels of exercise and activity.

Arthritis treatment methods

Arthritis is a serious disease that can have lifelong complications. However, with the proper care and treatment, most people with arthritis can live near-normal lives. Most arthritis treatment plans require a balance of medications, lifestyle changes and exercise. The more you improve your physical help, the leaner and stronger your body will be and the less pressure you'll place on your arthritic joints.

Arthritis medication treatment

Numerous drugs have been produced to help people calm even the most painful arthritis symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication is available to sooth joint pain, swelling and redness that occurs with most cases or arthritis. Some of these medications are available for purchase over the counter, while stronger forms of arthritis medications are available with a doctor's prescription. Visit your doctor to find out which type of medicine is best for you.

Arthritis-friendly lifestyle changes

If you have arthritis, one of the best things you can do is to live a balanced life. That means eating a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis. People with some forms of arthritis are more prone to other medical issues including high blood pressure, stress and heart disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common forms of the disease, often leaves people fatigued and without energy. Eating and exercising right can help people with arthritis stay healthy and energized while avoiding other complications.

Physical therapy and exercise is often recommended by doctors as a way to preserve movement in the body. People who develop severe arthritis may lose motion in some joints if they allow their condition to progress without physical therapy of some kind. Exercise keeps the muscles strong and limber while helping to take strain off of joints and tendons affected by arthritis. Some people have even reported dramatic improvements in their arthritic conditions through exercise alone, without the need for drugs or medications. Always consult with a qualified physical therapist before starting an exercise regimen to treat arthritis pain.

Dieting is important for many of the same reasons as regular exercise. A balance diet with proper amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and healthy fats will help stave off numerous health problems later on in life. It will also keep you lighter and leaner, allowing you to move less freely while keeping stress off of joints and tendons. Consult a doctor or nutritionist about the diet that would best suit your needs.

Arthritis and rest

Don't be afraid to rest. As stated above, some forms of arthritis can leave people feeling chronically weak and fatigued. It's important to take frequent rest breaks throughout the day to maintain energy and muscle strength, which helps patients avoid injuries or illness from fatigue. Some people take less frequent but longer rests, while other arthritis patients rest for smaller breaks more periodically throughout the day.