Dealing With Arthritis - Causes and Treatment

A lot of people find it surprising to know that arthritis isn't just one disease but is actually a hub of more than a hundred related conditions, which all involve the stiffness and/or pain in the joints. Although arthritis has a higher chance of occurring at old age, there is general perception that it affects only the aged, however, more than 60% of people suffering from arthritis fall under the age of 65.

The two common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The main cause for Osteoarthritis is by usual wear and tear of joints, which tends to damage not just the joints but also the tissue surrounding it. Arthritis mostly affects the aged and the elderly, along with people who have weight issues and those who use the same joints often, repeatedly.

One of the most common forms of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which affects an astounding two million people across the United States, out of which 70% are female. What exactly causes the disease is still not very clear, although it is widely believed that various factors such as female hormones, inherited genes and the body's response to stressful situations trigger rheumatoid arthritis.

Any of the above factors can become a cause for the body's immune system to go weak and perform poorly. They may also cause the white blood cells to attack the surrounding membranes of the joints, also called the synovium. When the immune system goes through such a breakdown, it leads to the swelling and inflammation of the joints. Anyone suffering from arthritis can testify that this condition can be highly painful, causing permanent damage to the joints, and in some cases even death.

A number of various treatments are available out there to help you with your arthritic pain. These include an improvised diet, increased resting time, a lot more exercise, application of heat and cold, and also surgery in some rare, extreme cases. Even though there are a wide range of medicines available, most of them help you only relieve the pain, instead of actually curing the arthritis from the root. There are some medications, which can work to slow down the spreading of the disease further and in process, prevent other parts of your body from being damaged or affected in any way.

An odd yet effective cure for arthritis is said to be deer velvet antler. Almost 2,000 years ago, the Chinese were the first ones to discover an antler's healing properties, not only for arthritis but also for other common body ailments. Antler velvet is nothing but the growing phase of male deer's antlers. If used in the right manner, the nutrients present in the antlers can supposedly help in arthritis pain relief. Antler velvet is an FDA approved method of treatment and is very safe to use, without any side effects. Arthritis is no doubt one of the worst diseases to hit old age. However, with the right treatment and effective planning, it shouldn't stop you from getting the most out of life.