Arthritis

As common as Arthritis is, it is not very well understood. Arthritis is several diseases that refer to joint pain and diseases. There are currently over one hundred instances of arthritis related conditions. Individuals of all types, age and sex are susceptible to arthritis and it is and this debilitating disease leads in causing disability in America. Over 60 million adults and children suffer from some form of arthritis, but it occurs more frequently in women and the elderly. Arthritis affects the joints and include symptoms of pain, swelling, reduction in range of motion and stiffness. These symptoms can come and go manifesting mild, moderately or severely. Sometimes you are unable to see the damage done to the joints unless seen by
If your “RA” goes untreated, you may get lumps over your joints called rheumatoid nodules. These lumps can grow as small as a pea or can grow to be the size of walnuts. The common sites for these nodules are the knuckles, heels and elbows, but will grow in the hands and feet as well. Doctors do not seem to know what exactly causes rheumatoid arthritis, but some experts understand the immune

system become discombobulated after a virus or bacterial infection and it starts to attack at the joints. RA will usually affect multiple joints causing severe symptoms of joint pain, swelling and stiffness in feet, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, jaw and neck. When you have RA, the swelling in your joint doesn’t go away. The pattern is generally asymmetrical, meaning if you have it on one side, it will also be on the opposite side. The stiffness in the morning will last for more than an hour and can last longer if not all day long. You may feel fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

People with Psoriatic Arthritis have inflammation of the skin as well as the joints. The psoriasis causes raised, red or white patchy areas of inflamed skin with scales. Psoriasis
Onset of this type of arthritis generally start at the ages between 30 and 50 but has been known to start in childhood.

You can prevent degeneration of Arthritis symptoms by eating healthy foods, controlling your weight, avoiding injuries, joint protection and seeing your doctor when necessary. Hot and cold therapy can help with flare ups as well. You can also consider getting massages and herbal supplements. Avoid activities involving repetition and high impact movements like jumping, running and tennis. Your doctor can also perform an arthroscopy to remove some floating pieces of cartilage or bone and other debris from the joint to smooth out the rough areas and remove swollen tissue. There are times where you may need to replace a worn out hip or knee to improve functionality due to excessive