Arthritis is, simply put, the inflammation of one or more of the body joints.  In addition to pain, there may also be swelling and stiffness.   Although arthritis occurs at any age, it becomes more prevalent after the age of forty.  There are actually over one hundred different types of arthritis.   Although it is impossible to completely cure arthritis, it is certainly possible to manage the pain and improve movement.

There is little known about the causes of most types of arthritis.  Some are caused by injury and over use, while others seem to run in family or be related to imbalances in the immune system or the body chemistry.

The three most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common arthritis and usually first appears around fifty years of age.  It is caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage, which results in stiffness, and pain.  You may actually feel a grating sensation when the joint is moved.  Osteoarthritis most often occurs in the back, knees, and hips, then in the neck, feet, and fingers.  Osteoarthritis is caused by injury, obesity, and aging.  It may also be a result of an hereditary tendency.  Women are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis than are men.  Those with other diseases and those in occupations that place repeated stress on joints may be at increased risk for osteoarthritis.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis but medications can relieve the pain.  Gentle exercise and physiotherapy can help maintain movement.  A physiotherapist can also suggest alternative ways of preforming daily tasks and retaining the lifestyle of your choice.  Your physician will discuss with you the best way to handle your pain.  In cases of severe pain and loss of movement, joint replacement may be considered.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of arthritis usually appears around age forty and is also more common in females than males.  It is cause by the inflammation of the membrane that lines the joint.  Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain stiffness and swelling in the joints.  There is also warmth that can be felt at the site of the pain.  This arthritis may cause fatigue, fever, and weight loss.  Rheumatoid arthritis will occur on both sides of the body, most commonly in the neck, knees, elbows, hands, wrists, and feet.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, although it is clear that the immune system is attacking the membrane of the joint causing it to break down.  There may be a genetic component involved, and it is suspected that certain viruses may make individuals more susceptible to this arthritis.

Medications are available to reduce inflammation, lessen pain, and help control the immune system.  Physiotherapy will also help with the symptoms and problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout

Although gout can attack anyone, it is a type of arthritis that is more common in males.  It also may appear earlier in life, at around age thirty.  Gout is characterized by a sudden attack of severe pain, accompanied by burning, stiffness, and swelling.  It is most common in the large toe, then the ankle, knee, wrist, and elbow.

Gout is caused by a buildup or uric acid in the fluid of the joint.  Normally uric acid is removed from the body in the urine, but if for some reason there is too much in the body, or too little is passed, a buildup will occur.  Uric acid occurs naturally in the body and is also present in foods such as anchovies, organ meats, herring, and some vegetables.

Gout is both manageable, and to a large extent preventable.  Medications are available to handle the pain and inflammation of an acute attack as well as prevent future attacks.

The likelihood of contracting gout can be largely reduced by;

a) increasing the daily intake of fluids,

b) getting your protein from low-fat dairy products and soy,

c) cutting down on alcohol,

d) limiting the intake of meat, fish, and poultry, to occasional small servings, and

e) keeping the body weight within the normal range, with exercise and a low-fat diet,

If you have any concerns about arthritis or other medical conditions, consult you medical adviser.

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