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Arthritis is the word that is derived from adding the Greek term “arthro” meaning joint and “it
is” which means inflammation and refers to a group of conditions in which damage is caused to the
joints of the body.
One of the major causes of disability in people aged 65 and over is arthritis. But the truth is,
this condition may strike at any age. There is a lot to learn about arthritis online and a great
many wonderful websites full of products for relief and information.
There are a few major types of arthritis; generally labeled by how they act upon the body. When
the body attacks itself as in the cases of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, this is
considered to be an autoimmune disease. When your joints get infected, this is called septic
arthritis and when there are deposits of uric acid crystals in the joint with subsequent
inflammation, this is known as gouty arthritis.
However, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis which is a degenerative joint
disease that may take place when there has been a trauma to the joint that is the result of
overuse, and infection or simple aging.
Arthritis symptoms can include stiffness in the joints, fatigue, loss of appetite and although
there are some differences between the types of arthritis, by far the most common symptom no matter
what type of arthritis is diagnosed, is pain. Pain relief and management can become one of the most
important factors of arthritis treatment. There are many over the counter pain medications that
have proven effective for some people, including Advil and Aleve.
However, if arthritis pain relief becomes a paramount thought of the day, you really need to be
sure to consult your doctor so he or she can help with that.
At the moment, there are really no cures for arthritis. But, and this is a big deal, there are
advance made in arthritis treatment every day. And there are many activities you can do that will
help with your condition. You can find an exercise routine that helps with range of motion
and endurance and learn how to eat a diet that will help with your arthritic condition.
There is enough arthritis information available that points to the fact that arthritis has
plagued mankind for millennia and there are references to it in Greek as well as Roman literature.
Some historians even speculate that cavemen were also afflicted by arthritis.
In more modern times, some experts suspect that as many as one in every six persons is afflicted
with arthritis and there could well be, as is believed widely, more than 43 million Americans who
are victims of arthritis, no matter what their age. Docotors suspect that as the baby boomer
generation ages a bit, this figure might even afflict as many as 60 million people.
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