What Exactly is Arthritis?

     Many people have heard of the chronic disease, arthritis.  Many of us probably have had family members or friends effected by this disease, and we may not understand the condition fully.  There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis that affect more than 46 millions adults and 300,000 children (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  The type of arthritis that is most common and most heard of is Ostetoarthritis, which typically is seen in people aged 60 and older (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  But as the numbers show above, there are types of arthritis that can strike in infancy as well, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.  With as many types of arthritis out there, how do we know what to look for, or how do we know how to prevent it?
     The symptoms between the different types of arthritis vary slightly.  You may be asking, what exactly is arthritis?  Arthritis is joint inflammation that can affect basically any bones that connect.  These joints can be found in the hands, arms, legs, knees and feet.  When the problems joints rub against each other this can cause stiffness, inflammation, loss of flexibility and cartilage damage (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  Cartilage is the tough tissue that is between joints.  This cartilage allows the joints to move against each other, pain free, but when this cartilage is damaged, the joints are now allowed to slide against each other easily, which is what causes the pain.   These inflammations can lead to other problems such as joint weakness, instability and could even lead to vision problems (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  This can inhibit daily activities such as cookies, walking, door opening, gardening, walking up stairs, brushing your hair and even typing on the keyboard.  Everyday tasks that seem simple to us could be difficult for people suffering from arthritis.  Besides the joint problems, arthritis can cause other problems within the whole body.  These problems can consist of immune system problems, and can affect the heart, kidneys and lungs (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  Many people don’t associate these problems with arthritis, but depending on the type of arthritis the patient has, these symptoms may become an issue.  

     There are several ways to prevent the onset of arthritis.  One way is to maintain your weight.  Maintaining your weight can help lessen the stress on your bones and joints (What Is Arthritis, 2010).   With not some much stress on your joints, you will lessen the chances of damaging your cartilage and causing the inflammation.  This is especially important in the knees, which is a common joint the experiences a lot of stress (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  Another way to prevent the onset of arthritis is regular exercise (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  This does not mean intense weight-bearing workouts, but everyday activities such as walking.  The exercise can help joint support by strengthening the muscle that surrounds it (What Is Arthritis, 2010).  A strong and healthy joint can also prevent the cartilage from becoming damaged.  Having a balanced diet can help supply the body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to make the body function normally and healthy (What Is Arthritis, 2010). 

     Arthritis is more than just joint inflammation; it is a life-altering chronic disease that can impair daily activities.  Taking the steps necessary to prevent this disease is very important in joint health and your overall health as well.

Posted by S Birch

Information was found at   :What Is Arthritis?. (2010). Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Retrieved November 2, 2010, from http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-is.php