Learn About Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease affecting the musculoskeletal system particularly the joints. The term arthritis comes from the words 'arthron' (Greek for joint) and 'itis' (Latin for inflammation). Therefore, the term suggests for inflammation of the joints. This is one of the rheumatic diseases.

This disease does not only point out to a single disease, but rather to hundreds of different forms. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which is usual affecting adult individuals. This is due to cartilage loss in commonly used weight bearing joints like the hips, spine, and knees. It is also due to trauma, infection, and aging.

Other forms of this illness to name a few includes psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis (due to infection), gouty arthritis (due to uric acid crystals deposition in the joint), and autoimmune related. There is a high incidence rate of this disease in adults especially in the late fifties. The pain is referred to as arthralgia. Although pain patterns may vary in reference to the inflammation and location, activities of daily living for individuals with the said condition are greatly affected due to restricted body movements caused by arthralgia.

The pain and inflammations, as well as, limited or restricted movements are the main symptoms of this illness. These pains are usually in the knees, spine, and hips. The inflammations are tender and warm upon palpation. The common damaging effects caused by the abnormal inflammation are structural changes of the bones and other underlying tissues. Certain movements will then be hard enough and painful.

Individuals with this condition are also prone to weight loss and easy fatigability. Weight loss is due to the limited or disabled movements caused by the pain. Hence, it eventually affects the eating patterns and makes it hard for these patients to maintain a proper dietary intake.

These diseases occur fairly to both genders. Therefore, everyone must be health conscious and take heed about the risk factors, preventive measures, and its symptoms.