| Arthritis is a chronic disease associated with | | | | * Persistent joint pain |
| inflammation of the joints that results in pain and | | | | * Pain or tenderness in a joint aggravated by any kind |
| restricted movement of the affected area. The term | | | | of activity or movement such as walking, writing, |
| 'arthritis' is derived from the Greek words 'arthro' | | | | holding or gripping an object. |
| meaning joint and 'itis' meaning inflammation. There are | | | | * Inflammation in the form of joint swelling, stiffness, |
| 100 different types of arthritis; osteoarthritis and | | | | and redness |
| rheumatoid arthritis being two of the most commonly | | | | * Deformity of the joint. |
| prevalent types. | | | | * Restricted range of motion or loss of flexibility in a |
| Arthritis is a chronic condition that may or may not be | | | | joint |
| a lifetime association depending on the promptness of | | | | * Abnormal weight loss |
| action that a person may take in getting medical help in | | | | * Extreme fatigue, weakness, lack of energy, or |
| the diagnosis and the treatment of the disease. Here | | | | general feeling of malaise |
| are the three stages a person might pass through | | | | * Unaccounted for fever |
| from the onset of the initial symptoms of arthritis to the | | | | Stage III - Onset of Professional Help |
| advanced stage where treatment becomes more of | | | | For those who stubbornly put up with pain for any |
| a necessity than a choice. | | | | number of reasons, these above mentioned |
| Stage I - Onset of Signs and Symptoms | | | | symptoms should shake you up enough to seek |
| The early signs of arthritis like redness, swelling, and | | | | professional help. If it does not, then it is time they |
| pain in one or more joints can be slightly nerve-racking | | | | understood the gravity of the situation where these |
| and confusing too as they may resemble symptoms | | | | symptoms, if left untreated can lead to more |
| of common injuries and ailments. They are even more | | | | pronounced degeneration in the joints, severe joint and |
| confounded if the signs are subtle. The initial reaction to | | | | ligament damage causing debilitation and even |
| the onset of a joint pain is to treat it like any other | | | | depression. Persons afflicted with the advanced stage |
| ailment and play doctor without a degree by trying out | | | | of arthritis are often unable to perform regular activities |
| icepacks, heating pads, ACE bandages, OTC | | | | or enjoy their hobbies as simple tasks such as sitting |
| (over-the-counter) medications, and arthritis creams. | | | | down on a chair or getting up, or lifting an object |
| Stage II - Onset of Fear and Dilemma | | | | becomes taxing. |
| Should I or Shouldn't I pay a visit to the doctor is the | | | | On the other hand, for people who are smart enough |
| topmost question in their minds when the pain refuses | | | | to recognize the signs of arthritis and the need for |
| to go away even after two weeks of numerous | | | | medical intervention can visit a doctor to determine the |
| attempts at self-treatment. Through this period of | | | | exact type of arthritis they are afflicted with and the |
| indecision that may last as long as they are confused, | | | | appropriate course of treatment to be followed to |
| the symptoms take a definite shape of being | | | | alleviate the pain. Ideally, a person should seek medical |
| associated with arthritis. The dilemma is soon replaced | | | | help in stage I to enjoy the benefits of getting the |
| by fear of what is in store in the form of prognosis if | | | | arthritis diagnosed and treated at the earliest possible |
| you visit the doctor. The following are few of the | | | | time. Stage II definitely needs doctors' assistance |
| symptoms that should ideally alert you to the possibility | | | | instead of playing 'trial and error' with OTC drugs. |
| of you being afflicted with arthritis: | | | | |