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The word arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It is derived from two Greek words: athron meaning joints and itis meaning inflammation. Thus, the word arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It is a chronic disease process. In the early stages, the whole body is involved and one or two joints may become completely deformed, making the patient weakened and handicapped. The term arthritis covers a group of more than 100 diseases that involve inflammation of joints and discomfort in the connective tissues throughout the body. In many parts of the world it is known as rheumatism. Inflammation is the main feature of arthritis that is a reaction of the joint tissues to some form of damage or injury.
Arthritis occurs in various forms and the most popular are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In US over 16 million people have osteoarthritis and about 6 million have rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as the wear and tear disease or old age arthritis. It is the disease of the joints that often occurs with preceding age. It causes little inflammation and doesn’t affect other parts of the body except joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammatory and attacks more than the joints. It may cause problem in the lungs, skin, blood vessels, eyes, spleen and heart. There are other types of arthritis that are less common like ankylosing spondylitis that is a chronic inflammatory condition most common among men and usually affect the spine. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an acute systemic disease related to rheumatoid arthritis and causes damage to joints and other organs of the body.
The most sufferers are the women as compare to men. Gout or gouty arthritis affects one joint at one time. More men have this problem as compare to women. The young children also suffer from this chronic disease. The most common form of arthritis in children in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may begin with a high fever, skin rash and a feeling of all over sick. It an affect the heart, liver, spleen and mainly affects the joints in the fingers, ankles, knees, elbows, hips and feet, causing inflammation and pain. It is also known as hidden handicap. Many children with the disease have remissions and recurrences. Like adults some children experience little or no permanent damage as they grow. But in some there are serious complications in the form of eye disease and even blindness. A child may show few signs of disease because the damage and pain are inside the body. In some cases the damage interferes with normal growth.
The exact cause of arthritis may be known or unknown. Some form of arthritis are believed to be caused by a defect in the body’ immune system. When the immune system is working properly the body recognizes antigens as foreign invaders like virus and bacteria and fights against them but when the immune system gets defective its ability to recognize foreign bodies and to fight against them causing damage of the cells and tissues. According to recent evidence the improper functioning of the immune system is inherited and are genetic in nature. Heredity plays a vital role in the development of various types of arthritis. A particular gene has been found in families that lead to increased risk of osteoarthritis as it causes damage to the cartilage.
It’s very difficult to diagnose arthritis but if diagnosed on time use of certain medications and various home remedies can control it. Physical therapy and various exercises are also recommended to keep the joints and muscles strong and flexible. Arthritis usually affects hip-bearing joints so weight loss is the first step in the treatment. Proper diet and relaxation are also important for the treatment of arthritis. The affects of arthritis vary from individual to individual. Every treatment doesn’t give fruitful results to each and every person. Treatment that works for one may not always work for the other person. It remains for longer period of life but its affects can be minimized with proper medication and treatment.
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