| Arthritis is a varied condition that affects the body in | | | | Osteoarthritis has been shown to be the most |
| different ways and can be caused by different | | | | common form in older people. Everyday normal use |
| factors. Many of the symptoms of Arthritis are similar, | | | | can exacerbate this condition. Again the standard |
| but there are differences. Here are some examples. | | | | symptoms of swelling and pain are normal though in |
| Rheumatoid Spondylitis is arthritis of the spine. This | | | | many cases, whilst the arthritis remains, the pain does |
| particular form can affect multiple organs of the body | | | | tend to fade over time. |
| and can be very distressing. Symptoms of this | | | | Many people associate Gout with too much good living, |
| condition include back and hip pain, and pain in the neck, | | | | booze and red meats. They don't actually realise that |
| knees, shoulders and ankles. Further symptoms may | | | | gout is a form of arthritis that has been shown to flare |
| include fatigue and weight loss. As with any form of | | | | with the use of too much alcohol and certain foods. |
| recurring or continuous symptoms, medical advice | | | | Gout is caused by an excess of Urate in the body. If |
| should be sought. | | | | the urate crystallizes in the joints it causes intense pain |
| Another form of arthritis is Bursitis. This form | | | | and swelling. This can happen in any joint but is more |
| commonly affects the shoulders, hips and elbows. It | | | | common in the extremities, hands and feet are very |
| can also affect the lower leg. Where it affects the big | | | | common targets as urate crystallizes more easily at |
| toe it can be confused with Gout, another form of the | | | | lower temperatures. Gout can be improved by a |
| condition. It normally affects 'sporty types', athletes | | | | change of diet and particularly by reducing alcohol |
| often become victims though it is also true that people | | | | intake. |
| at the other end of the sporting spectrum also suffer if | | | | Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by our own overactive |
| they are out of condition or who have poor posture. | | | | immune system. The symptoms are initially mild |
| The basic symptoms of the condition are stiffness or | | | | stiffness and pain which may come and go. With time |
| pain in the joints, often more noticeable when the joint | | | | the symptoms will get worse. It is well worth seeking |
| is exercised vigorously. The joint may appear to be | | | | medical advice early because early treatment is |
| swollen and flushed with colour. | | | | always the most effective. |