Healthy Body

Category: Healthy Body - ArthritisWritten by Patty Avey - Chief Editor - SmartLivingNews.com

ARTHRITIS IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DISABILITY AFFECTING NEARLY 43 MILLION PEOPLE.

"Being an athlete most of my life along with working some extremely physical jobs during the course of my life, the joints in my body have really taken a beating. I am 48 years old and up until about a month ago because of the constant pain in my left hip, neck, both shoulders and my hands, I thought I would never find relief." - Richard Cunningham

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints, the place where two bones meet. Inflammation occurs as the tissue around the joint responds to protect itself when injury or disease develops resulting in swelling, redness, heat and pain. The joints become stiff, painful and swollen.
There are two leading types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The most common type of arthritis in the United States today is osteoarthritis affecting over twenty million people. Osteoarthritis starts with the breakdown, softening and degeneration of the cartilage around the joints. Cartilage is the pliable and tough tissue that covers and cushions the ends of the bones and helps to absorb shock to the bones. As the cartilage breaks down, the joints become stiff and painful. The joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the fingers, knees, hips and spine. Sometimes osteoarthritis will appear in the wrist, elbows, shoulders and ankles.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not as common as osteoarthritis; nevertheless it affects about 2.1 million Americans.
This form of arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the different joints in the body. The joint lining is called the synovium which is a thin membrane lining the joint releasing fluid that permits the joints to move more easily. As the synovium becomes inflamed, swelling, pain, stiffness, warmth and redness develop. It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis is partially caused from the improper functioning of the body's immune system resulting in the joint tissue coming under attack and becoming inflamed along with joint damage. This form of arthritis is two to three times more prevalent in women than men and normally affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. Rheumatoid arthritis may have a debilitating effect on the joints within one to two years time and leave the person unable to fulfill basic activities. The bones may even erode causing deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis detected in the early stages can prevent permanent joint damage.

What possible factors determine who will get arthritis? Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the adult population of those 18 years and older.

Women are more prone to arthritis than men. Obesity is a major factor in increasing the risk of osteoarthritis, especially in women. There appears to be a clear connection between obesity in women and osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis has also been found to be more prevalent in those who have had repeated injuries or trauma to certain areas of the body.
Regular and persistent pain, stiffness or inflammation in joints
Discomfort in a joint which has had a history of injury
If you suspect that you have arthritis, see your physician. Early intervention is crucial when working with this disease.
Eat a healthy, well balanced diet of food
Moderate the amount of sugar you eat
Drink alcohol in moderation
Use salt moderately
Take the recommended daily requirements of vitamins and minerals along with calcium
Weight loss

Exercise will help to reduce joint pain and stiffness, increase flexibility, improve endurance, develop muscle strength, help decrease bone loss, help keep bone and cartilage healthy and strong