| Understanding Arthritis |
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| Tuesday, 13 October 2009 11:29 |
 According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis literally means joint inflammation. But the term is often used to refer to any of the more than 100 diseases that affect the joints – where two or more bones meet to allow movement. Currently, there are 46 million people diagnosed with arthritis in the United States. It is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability amongst Americans.If you are currently battling arthritis you know that it limits everyday activities that others take for granted such as walking, dressing and bathing. Women are affected more greatly than men, but even children are at risk. Arthritis sufferers will tell you that the condition can come in many different shapes and forms affecting each individual differently. Arthritis causes pain, loss of movement and sometimes swelling. Here are some types of arthritis as described by the Arthritis Foundation:
Many other arthritis-related conditions and connective tissue disorders also affect more women than men. These include Raynaud's phenomenon, Sjögren's syndrome, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, myofascial pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, dermatomyositis, and Reiter's Syndrome. These conditions that may not be as prevalent as others described above, but are still health problems that should be treated in conjunction with an experienced health-care team. Also, certain types of infection (such as Lyme disease and syphilis) are known to cause a persistent arthritis. Successful treatment of the infection itself does not always eliminate the residual arthritis, which can mimic OA, RA, or a mixed form. References: Tamer Elsafy (2009), "Understanding Arthritis: Types and All Natural Treatments", Accessed via http://www.alternativehealthjournal.com/article/understanding_arthritis_types_and_all_natural_treatments/3819 Reginald B. Cherry (2009), "The Many Faces of Arthritis", Accessed via http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091006/the-many-faces-of-arthritis/index.html Arthritis Foundation (2009), "Arthritis And Heart Disease", Accessed via http://www.arthritis.org/heart-disease-connection.php |
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