Arthritis - A Common Disease
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Most of the
cases of arthritis involve the body joints but joints are
not the only body parts to be affected by arthritis. In its
various forms arthritis can also affect other parts of the
body. It is one of the most commonly occurring diseases affecting
people of all ages. However most of the victims are able to
go about their business as usual.
At a body joint, ends of two bones come together. The ends
of the bones are covered with cartilage which makes the surfaces
of bone ends smooth for sliding against each other. The smoothness
of surfaces makes it possible to carry out the joint movement
easily and painlessly with minimum friction thousands of times
in a day. The two bones of a joint are held together firmly
in place by ligaments which also form a capsule around the
joint. The surface of ligaments is lined with synovial membrane
which secretes synovial fluid for lubricating the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the more common types, occurs
when synovial membrane gets inflamed and joint swells up.
If it is allowed to increase it can affect the cartilage and
cause severe pain. In its more advances stage it can affect
other parts of the body such as lungs, heart and eyes. This
disease is three times more common in women than in men.
Osteoarthritis, another common variety, results when cartilage
wears out. When this happens the ends of the bones in contact
with each other lose their protective cover as well as the
smooth gliding surface. The bone ends then directly rub against
each other. The joint becomes stiff and starts paining. This
condition involves joints which are exposed to frequent wear
and tear such as fingers, big toes, knees, hips, lower spine.
Another type of arthritis, gout, occurs due to defect in
body chemistry. There is excess of uric acid in the blood
and crystals deposit on joints and other places. It affects
men more than women.
Ankylosing spondylitis, another form of arthritis, affects
the spine. The vertebrae get fused together and the spine
tends to stiffen up.
There are several treatments for arthritis such as:
Medication
Application of heat - hot compresses, hot tub bath, infrared
treatment
Physiotherapy and exercise
Avoidance of over-exertion of affected joints
Surgery in extreme cases
These treatments may not work equally well for all patients.
The patient will have to find out which treatment suits him
best. But before starting any treatment the patient must consult
his doctor.
Following measures can be beneficial to most of the patients:
Reduction in body weight - higher body weight puts more stress
on body structure including the joints. It is estimated that
reduction of 11 pounds in body weight can cut chances of osteoarthritis
by as much as 50 %.
Modest activities to avoid joint laxity.
Improve body posture.
It is well known that lack of activity of body joints and
body muscles make them weak and prone to diseases. The best
guard against arthritis is to do regular exercise of all major
body joints and muscles. Our modern lifestyle generally does
not make it necessary for us to use all our limbs regularly.
We are used to desk type jobs and sedentary living. Unless
we take out time to do some exercise, maintain correct body
weight, and maintain correct body posture we will remain susceptible.
Our body gives us sufficient indication when there is any
trouble. Arthritis can be detected early by paying attention
to any consistent joint pains. An early treatment of the disease
can save you from lot of trouble.
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Author: Eric Choong
Please visit my website at: http://www.health-beauty-care.com
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