Arthritis

"Who needs a weather report, when you've got arthritis?"- Every person suffering from arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common but often misunderstood disease. There are many different types of arthritis, and people of all ages, races and sexes can be affected.

Some of the joint-related symptoms of arthritis include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Over time and without proper treatment, the symptoms of arthritis will get worse, and the pain and stiffness might prevent you from performing normal daily activities.

Forms of arthritis

Some of the most common types of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Juvenile

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, which is often referred to as degenerative arthritis, is commonly related to your age. As you grow older, your cartilage water content increases while its protein content deteriorates. With years of wear on your joints, they begin to wear down, and the cartilage which once cushioned your joints no longer offers protection. Your joints then rub against one another, which leads to pain and swelling in the affected areas.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which means an affected individual’s body will attack the healthy tissue causing deterioration and inflammation. The cause of RA is still unknown; however, experts suggest the cause might be genetic. Individuals suffering from RA will experience extended periods of aching pain and stiffness in the affected areas, as well as weakness and fatigue.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is a disease that affects individuals ages 16 and younger. In juvenile cases, the person’s synovial membrane—a layer of tissue that lines the inner layer of joints—becomes inflamed. Like RA, juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means an individual’s immune system fights healthy tissue, which causes pain, swelling and deterioration. The cause of juvenile arthritis is unknown; however, experts believe the cause might be genetic.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options for arthritis depending on the form and severity of the disease. To learn more about what treatment options will work best for you, contact us today.