What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term that includes a
group of disorders that affect your
joints and muscles. Arthritis
symptoms include joint pain,
inflammation and limited movement
of joints. When a joint is inflamed it
may be swollen, tender, warm to the
touch or red. Surrounding each joint
is a protective capsule holding a
lubricating fluid to aid in motion.
Cartilage, a slippery smooth
substance, covers most joints to
assure an even, fluid motion of the
joint. With joint arthritis, the
cartilage may be damaged,
narrowed and lost by a degenerative
process or by inflammation making
movement painful.
For most people arthritis pain and
inflammation cannot be avoided as
the body ages. In fact, most people
over the age of 50 show some signs
of arthritis. Joints naturally
degenerate over time. Fortunately,
arthritis can be managed through a
combination of medication, exercise,
rest, weight-management, nutrition,
and, in some cases, surgery. Your
doctor can tell if you have arthritis
through blood tests and x-rays. He
or she will then be able to help you
decide on the best treatment for
your case.
Arthritis is a chronic disease that
can stay with you for a long time
and possibly for the rest of your
life. Your treatments will probably
change over time and medication
may be adjusted. Having a positive
mental outlook and the support of
family and friends will help you live
with arthritis and be able to
continue to perform your daily
activities. Arthritis is not just 1
disease; it is a complex disorder that
comprises more than 100 distinct
conditions and can affect people at
any stage of life. Two of the most
common forms are osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis.