Arthritis

Arthritis is an illness which affects the joints in bones. This disease causes swelling, pain and stiffness in one or more joints. The symptoms of arthritis typically worsen with age. There are over a hundred types of diseases that fall under the umbrella of arthritis. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage between bones to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an illness in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. Another common form of arthritis is gout. It happens when there is excess uric acid in your blood which creates uric acid crystals. There are other types of arthritis that can affect other connective tissue and organs, like your skin. Arthritis is a very common illness and one in five adults have it. Some common symptoms include stiffness, swelling, pain, redness and decreased range of motion. Certain people are more prone to developing arthritis. Genetics do play a role in whether you develop the illness. If someone in your family has arthritis, then you may be at risk. It is also possible to develop arthritis in a single joint, if you’ve previously injured it.

Obese people are also at risk, as their excess weight puts more pressure on their joints. There are multiple ways to detect and diagnose arthritis. Your doctor or rheumatologist should recommend a CT (Computerized Tomography) scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagery) scan, an Ultrasound or an X-Ray. There are multiple ways to treat this condition, the most common being medication. Medication can also be prescribed in conjunction with physical therapy. In extreme cases, you may be asked to undergo surgery to improve your condition.