Arthritis

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from

 

http://www.bmhcc.org/health/library/arth4177.asp

 

 

 

Approximately 40 million people in the United States

have arthritis. It is a disorder of the joints that

connect the bones of the body. The name arthritis

means joint inflammation or swelling.

 

Joints are located wherever two or more bones meet.

Cartilage and a lubricating fluid form a smooth

gliding surface for the bones of the joint. Ligaments

hold the joint together. When joints become injured or

diseased, they swell. Over 100 types of arthritis

affect the joints and connective tissues of the body.

 

Inflammation is a normal part of the body's defense

system. It is a natural reaction to injury.

Inflammation causes swelling, pain, and redness. It

also decreases motion in the affected area. With

arthritis, inflammation becomes part of the problem.

It causes tissue damage which the body tries to handle

by creating more inflammation. This painful cycle of

destruction changes the bones and other joint tissues

and limits their function.

 

The cause of arthritis is unknown, although clues are

being uncovered. For example, people with certain gene

types are prone to certain forms of arthritis. There

also seem to be microorganisms that trigger the onset

of arthritis.

 

Each type of arthritis has different symptoms and

patterns and each requires different treatments. The

most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and

rheumatoid arthritis, followed by spinal arthritis,

lupus, gout, scleroderma, and juvenile arthritis.

 

Some forms of arthritis go through cycles of getting

better and worse. A flare-up means the disease is more

active. During this time, there is increased morning

stiffness, more pain and swelling in the joints,

involvement of new joints, and increased tiredness and

fatigue. Flare-ups can occur after eating a specific

food. Milk is the most common offender. Other foods

are shrimp, wheat products, and certain meats.

 

Treatment for most forms of arthritis includes drugs,

exercise, and rest. Joint protection and surgery are

sometimes needed as well.

 

To learn more about arthritis, call the Arthritis

Foundation at (800) 283-7800.