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?

Arthritic condition manifests when local joint condition changes when it is osteoarthritis but pain will manifest in the entire body when it is rheumatic. The most common cause is degeneration of cartilage between bones that leaves them exposed to rub on each other. This causes fluid to build up on the area causing 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.

The early signs include an abnormal inability to move your joints. This may also be accompanied by a recurring and very painful joint. One or more joint may also begin to swell. The affected joint begins to feel warm and eventually swells. These signs will manifest with different degrees of severity.

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.

Arthritis has no cure but can be managed with proper interventions. The type and severity of attack determine the steps to be taken. Rheumatologists recommend enough rest that is balanced with work. You should also receive cold and hot therapy as well as exercise regularly. Your weight should be healthy with intervention measures taken to strengthen joint muscles. Avoid repetitive joint movement and use over-the-counter drugs in relieving pain.

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.

Management of arthritis is important in relieving the pain. You need such lifestyle changes as reducing your weight, eating a healthy diet as well as choosing foods with more antioxidants. These foods include fresh fruits, vegetables and wild herbs. There are foods like fish and nuts that are known to reduce inflammation. Avoid dairy products, processed foods, fried foods and a lot of meat to reduce the pain.




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