Currently, 46 million people suffer from arthritis. This disease costs the US economy approximately $128 billion per year. Arthritis occurs more often as people age. Osteoarthritis is most prevalent in people age 60 and older. So what is Arthritis ? Simply put arthritis is inflammation of a joint or joints. Arthritis slowly destroys the cushioning cartilage around a joint. The cartilage begins to breakdown, causing the bones in the joint to come into contact with one another. This is what cause inflammation,pain and the bones to rub against one another.
There are several types of arthritis. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are among the most talked about. Osteoarthritis is the most common form. Ninety percent of people over 40 have signs of osteoarthritis. Symptoms include persistent joint pain,inflammation,joint pain aggravated by activity,joint stiffness in the morning,fatigue,poor posture and loss of flexibility in a joint. Common risk factors include:wear and tear,age,heredity,obesity,injury and lack of physical activity. Normally an x-ray may be used to diagnosis and treat common types of arthritis.
There is no cure for arthritis but it can be managed. Weight control and exercise is one of the best things someone can do. Stretching increases flexibility which helps to support the joints. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. Pain relievers help to ease pain but do not help with swelling and inflammation. thermal therapy relax muscles and help relieve deep pain. There are certain braces and splints that can provide heat directly to the joint. Therall is a popular arthritis line. They have heat pads,relief creams,warmers and patches. For more info visit www.arthritis.org or www.arthritis.com
