Best Treatment For Arthritis

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It can occur at any age, and literally means pain within a joint. Arthritis is an umbrella term for a range of conditions which cause pain and swelling of the joints. Arthritis is a condition that occurs in various joints in the body, especially in the knees, hips and spine. It can affect any joint, but the shoulder is affected infrequently. When arthritis occurs the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones making up the joint breaks down and often flakes off into the joint. The joint becomes swollen and stiff and the lining tissue of the joint (the synovium) becomes overgrown. Frequently, spurs will develop around the margins of the joint and can, sometimes, break off inside.

These conditions occur as a result of damage or wear and tear on the body and are more prevalent over time. The body is a superb piece of machinery which works very well on a daily basis but like any machine, is prone to niggles and complications over time. One of these problems is arthritis.

The pain can vary from mild to very severe, depending upon many factors, including the severity of the disease, the type of arthritis. The condition may occur spontaneously or as a late result of previous trauma, such as fracture or dislocation. It also may occur as a result of an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What causes arthritis and how do you know if you have it?

Although it is thought that the sufferer's genetics play an important role in the development of this disease, unfortunately, the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis has not yet been identified; what is known is that when it occurs, the body's immune system suddenly turns against itself destroying the tissues found in and around the joints. This is why the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include extreme pain at the joints (this normally occurs in pairs, for example - both elbows, both knees, etc.).

Arthritis is on the increase, and the statistics show that this figure is growing fast. Therefore an understanding of what arthritis is and what the signs are is important, so that sufferers can get an early diagnosis and implement relevant lifestyle changes before the symptoms become too serious.

If you have a joint which becomes stiff, feels heavy and fatigues easily, then arthritis may be present. If you are unlucky and the doctor informs you that you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the news can be quite devastating. However, understanding this disease is one way that you could come to terms with it, so that you know what to expect and can work out a plan of action to control it in the best manner you can.

Arthritis also called rheumatoid arthritis, shouldn't be confused with the term "rheumatism", which has taken on the meaning of any aches or pains related to aging, or weather. Some studies have demonstrated a link between arthritis and certain weather conditions with low barometric pressure and high humidity. There is a theory that low pressure systems, usually associated with damp or rainy conditions, could cause joints to swell. The swelling causes stiffness of the joints, as well as pain. High humidity may have an effect through other mechanisms.

We know that arthritis symptoms can be worse when the muscles around the joint aren't strong or supple enough. Cold weather stiffens muscles, so this may also worsen arthritis symptoms. Each person is different in how weather can affect them. Some people say they can predict rain based on their arthritis, and others say that they feel worse during or after a storm. This simply shows that the correlation between weather and arthritis is poorly understood.

So What Is The Best Treatment For Arthritis?

Although there is no cure for arthritis; there are treatment options available. Many advocate the benefits of natural, chemical and drug free treatments to ease pain.