5 Facts about Arthritis Disease You Should Know

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints of the bones. In fact, there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis that can affect different parts of the body at varying degrees. The most common diseases are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, fibromyalgia and psorasis. Osteoarthritis is the most common one and it affects a lot of people in the United States. It occurs as a result of wear and tear of the bones and cartilage and this disease is mainly prevalent in the later years of life. Fibromylagia causes stiffness in the joints and it mainly affects the neck, hips and back.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis in which the immune system acts against the body tissue leading to swelling and pain. Psorasis is a disease that starts with the skin and slowly progresses to the joints. Infectious arthritis is caused by bacteria and it is accompanied by fever and chills. It must be treated immediately to avoid permanent damage to bone joints. 
A common fact about all kinds of arthritis is that it limits mobility to a great extent. In many severe cases, it may even be difficult to perform the daily activities and individuals become largely dependent on others for the smallest of their needs. 


Another common fact about arthritis is the pain in the joints. It comes with any kind of arthritis and there is really no escape from this. Muscle pain relievers that are commonly available in drug stores can help to reduce the pain. There are also prescription medicines that have a stronger effect than over the counter pain relievers. However, these medicines may have long term side effects and so one must choose a medicine that is best-suited for their needs. 


The sad fact about arthritis is that there is no permanent cure. In some severe cases, arthroplasty is done. It is a surgical procedure that uses artificial surfaces to make the joints smooth so that movement can be restored. Other than that, there is no cure for arthritis. Many relaxation techniques like physical therapy, yoga, tai chi and massage can provide temporary relief from pain. So, it is always better to prevent it than looking for a cure. 


Arthritis can be prevented by having a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise can go a long way in preventing arthritis. A well-balanced diet also provides the necessary nutrients for the body to fight this disease. These are some of the facts about arthritis that can help to fight it better.

Photo: Salvatore Vuono