Arthritis is a chronic disorder that affects one in seven Canadians, half of whom are between the ages of 30 to 50 years old. The word “arthritis” is derived from the Greek words arthron, for “joint” and itis, for “inflammation.” Today, the term is used for over 100 different varieties of joint problems that have specific symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two most common types of arthritic conditions.
Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
You may have joint inflammation for a variety of reasons, including:
Broken bone
Infection (usually caused by bacteria or viruses)
An autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign)
The literal meaning of arthritis is “joint inflammation” and it can affect joints in any part of the body. Joints are the places in the body where two bones meet. When you have arthritis, damage is caused to a lesser or greater degree to the joints and mostly occurs in the hands, arms and legs. The inflammation in one or more of the joints results in pain, swelling and limited movement. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in those over the age of 65 and it generally affects people from the age of 60.
Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms often include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and heat in the joints. Symptoms, which include stiffness, swelling, pain and joint damage, are a result of the inflammation of the joints in the body. Symptoms usually do not last a lifetime and tend to disappear after several months or years. Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Symptoms can range from an annoyance to the complete inability to use affected joints. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis come and go but it is a lifelong condition.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the ‘cooked food disease’. lt usually develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anaemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.
Arthritis Treatment
Keep water in a copper container for overnight. Drink this water for arthritis pain relief.
Do regular exercises and yoga.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, which joints are affected, severity, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Your age and occupation will also be taken into consideration when your doctor works with you to create a treatment plan.
It is possible to greatly improve your symptoms from osteoarthritis and other long-term types of arthritis without medications. In fact, making lifestyle changes without medications is preferable for osteoarthritis and other forms of joint inflammation. If needed, medications should be used in addition to lifestyle changes.
