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What Is Arthritis?

The term arthritis is one that elicits immediate sympathy. Derived from the Greek word 'arthro' which refers to the word joint and 'itis' which refers to inflammation it is readily apparent that it is a term that aptly describes itself. We know it as a disease that can cause a range of discomfort that can take the form of a mild stiffness to disabling and crippling pain.

There are approximately one hundred types of arthritic diseases and it is estimated that in America alone there are over 45 million people who suffer from some form of it. And although it is a disease that we may normally associate with older people - the very young can suffer from it as well.

There is no one definitive cause for arthritis that can be pointed to, although there are a number of factors that can contribute to developing it. There can be a genetic disposition to it. It can 'run' in some families. Arthritis can also come about as a result of a chemical imbalance in the body. Or if the body has an overactive immune system. The incident of an injury or working at a job that regularly puts a lot of stress on the joints is another common factor.

The inflammation that occurs with arthritis is the body's common defense system in action. This can involve some swelling, redness and heat, as well as pain. The body is reacting to some invasive issue. When this inflammation occurs in a joint area, this can limit the normal use of this joint and eventually impair it's function over all.

In a healthy joint the bones are coated with a smooth elastic material called the cartilage. This tough substance protects the bones and acts as a shock absorber allowing the two bones to work together. The entire joint is as well encased in a capsule that prevents it from becoming dislocated. The lining of this casing is called the synovium which produces a nourishing, thick liquid that helps keep the joint well lubricated. If this casing becomes inflamed due to arthritis the result is that it produces too much fluid and this fluid will contain inflammatory cells. This inflamed liquid can then cause damage to first the cartilage and then the underlying bone.

There are certain types of arthritis that go on to affect more that the joints of bones. Lupus can affect the skin, nervous system, kidneys and heart. Fibromyalgia can induce muscle pain and chronic fatigue. Scleroderma causes the connective tissue of the skin to thicken and harden and works on the internal organs as well.

The dynamics of this disease in all of it's many manifestations is the subject of much relentless research. Treatments in a multitude of areas are offered. Support and training is available to learn how to cope within one's lifestyle. But ultimately, as with other diseases, establishing a specific diagnosis early on is vitally important to improving the long term management of it and the eventual outcome. Click here to learn what you can do about your arthritis!

 

 

 

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