Introduction
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions involving inflammation of the joints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over fifty-five, but can affect people at any age. While there are many different types of arthritis, the most common symptom experienced by sufferers is persistent joint pain, which can manifest in a variety of different ways including wrist, hand, spine, hip and knee discomfort.
There are many different types of arthritis, and each has a different cause. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that results from trauma or infection of the joint, or from old age. Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself and this leads to the destruction of the joint. Arthritis in younger people is often a result of rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis is usually much more common in women compared to men, and it can be diagnosed by x-ray, blood testing and physical examination. Although arthritis cannot be cured, an effective arthritis treatment regimen can help manage the disease and can include physical and occupational therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), medications and dietary supplements. In more severe cases surgery on the arthritic joint may be required to restore function and mobility.