What You Should Know About Arthritis

Should the person experience some muscle painThe second is called osteoarthritis. This happens more
which lasts more than 2 or 3 days, there is a strongoften than rheumatoid arthritis but unlike the first, there
chance that one has arthritis.is no inflammation present. The cartilage in the joint is
Arthritis is a common disease that affects millions ofdamaged and will eventually degenerate. Pain will
people worldwide. This can be felt in the person'sslightly be felt when the person gets up but this will hurt
joints, skin and organs inside the body. Should thelater on during the day.
person feel anything wrong, it is advisable to goOsteoarthritis can either be primary or secondary.
straight to the doctor.When it is primary, it is often associated with age. It is
Doctors have discovered that there are over 100similar to a car where the parts have to be replaced
types of arthritis. Given the number, the doctor will notdue to wear and tear. Doctors consider this to be
be able to know which one is affecting the personnormal as people grow older.
without an examination.The secondary type is often associated with
There are 2 common forms of arthritis. The first issomething else that has caused this to happen. Some
rheumatoid arthritis which is considered a chronicof these factors are an injury that took place, heredity,
disease. There is inflammation in the joints caused byobesity and bone density.
cartilage damage. Anyone who has this will suffer longOsteoarthritis can be treated with medication, exercise,
term joint damage that will lead to chronic pain andweight control, joint protection, physical and
disability. Pain is usually felt when waking up in theoccupational therapy. This is done to relieve the pain
morning and will gradually disappear during the day.and slow the progression of the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a problem that will not go away.Both of these are caused by different things. The
This happens in three stages. The first is swelling. Thecommon thing between these 2 types is that joint pain
second is the rapid division and growth of cells. Thecan happen anywhere in the body.
third is when these cells release enzymes that will eatGiven the many medications available to treat this
the bone causing the joint to lose shape until thedisease, the patient has to be aware of the side
person will not be able to move it anymore.effects of each before choosing which one to use.
Since this is systemic disease, it can spread and affectThe doctor should explain these to the person in order
other organs in the body. The best way to prevent isto make the right decision.
from happening is detecting it early to prevent theArthritis and it's different forms will not go away. Since
person from being disabled.this is an insurable disease, the best thing that the
This can be treated with proper medication anddoctor and others can do until a cure if found is to help
therapy. There many drugs available that the patientthe patient ease the pain the slow the growth of the
can use. Some drugs offer pain relief to reduce thedisease.
inflammation. Others can just do one function.