Doctor What Is Arthritis, Summary Answer

By Ann Parker


Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that manifests in a range of symptoms depending on the part of the body that is affected. This disease affects people of all races, sex, gender and social status regardless of their age. In America, this is the main cause of disability, with more than 50 million adults affected and 300,000 children being arthritic. This begs the question, doctor what is arthritis?

The early manifestation of the common osteoarthritis is pain around joints. When it is of rheumatic nature, the entire body will be in pain. The degeneration of cartilages separating bones is stated as the cause of pain. The adjacent bones thus rub on each other because their ends are exposed. As the cartilage wears out, fluid accumulates at the joint leading to a lot of pain.

Pain may appear anytime regardless of the age because the cartilage is worn out. The progression of cartilage degeneration will depend on how advanced the condition is, the presence of injuries and whether your condition is hereditary. The joints may also be painful and degenerate depending on your health status. The number of women who are affected is also higher than that of men. You will feel an itchy soreness and stiff joints as you perform ordinary tasks.

At the early stages, movement of bones will feel abnormal and painful as well. The joints become very painful with the discomfort being recurring. One of your joints or several of them that are affected begin to swell. The degree of severity will depend on several factors including your health condition.

Visit your primary healthcare physician immediately you notice any of the signs listed. You may also seek specialized treatment from a rheumatologist who performs advanced tests in order to establish the real extent of damage on your cartilage. The tests may also include antibody testing with the aim of establishing the level of damage and type of inflammation affecting your joints.

There is no cure for arthritis yet but the condition can effectively be managed. Management will depend on the type affecting your body. Among the recommended management tips is resting after work, cold and hot therapies, regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight and strengthening joint muscles through additional support. Pain can be managed through over-the-counter drugs. You should also avoid excessive repetitive movements.

Surgery is recommended when the condition becomes extreme. The cartilage is replaced with an artificial one that involves surgery around your knee and hips. This will be a lasting solution. Joint fusion is another treatment procedure that involves locking two adjacent bones in a way that eliminates movement. By eliminating movement, you will also do away with the pain.

To relief arthritic pain, management steps should be taken. They include a change in lifestyle with the aim of reducing your weight. Eat healthy foods and ensure that your food is rich in antioxidants. Some of the foods recommended include wild herbs, vegetables and fresh fruits. Nuts and fish are also healthy anti-inflammation foods that you can consume. Avoid frying your food, dairy products, a lot of meat and chemical processed foods to relief the pain.




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