Arthritis Explained

Arthritis Explained
Arthritis can be grouped into two main categories based
upon the "localized" or "generalized" areas of the body or
joints that are affected and then into sub-categories.

Localized Conditions: The arthritis that affects the soft
tissue surrounding the joints or bones is considered soft
tissue localized conditions, such as bursitis or
tendonitis. Another sub-category of the localized
conditions only affects one or only a few joints, such as a
knee or hip.

Generalized Conditions: The first sub-category for
generalized conditions are for those that affect the muscle
and soft tissue where there is no evidence of swelling or
inflammation. The condition is not associated with joint
damage. Fibromyalgia is a common type of arthritis that is
placed under this category.

The second sub-category of conditions includes arthritis
conditions that involve inflammation that affects the
entire body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of a
condition under this category, as well as gout, and
psoriatic arthritis. Other generalized arthritis conditions
are polymyositis (muscles); systemic lupus erythematosus
(skin, kidneys, or other organs); and vasculitis (any
organ).

All arthritis conditions affect the musculoskeletal system
and joints. Arthritis affecting the joint conditions causes
pain, stiffness, inflammation, and damage to the joint
cartilage. Cartilage is the tissue that covers the ends of
the bones that protect them as they rub together. Cartilage
is living tissue. Therefore, it has the same needs as other
organs and glands. Cartilage cells are called chondrocytes.
All chondrocytes will die and are usually replaced by new
cartilage cells. However, over time inflammation can kill
more cartilage cells than the body can replace. This is
especially true if there has been an injury or there is not
enough proper nutrients in the body to repair the joint.
Damage from arthritis can also cause joint weakness,
instability and deformities and interrupt daily activities.
Typically, arthritis is treated with medication, physical
therapy, and changes to the person's lifestyle. Joint
replacement surgery is a last resort after healthcare
providers have tried other less intrusive interventions to
relieve the discomfort.

A person can have more than one type of arthritis.
Arthritis includes more than 100 medical conditions that
affect approximately 46 million adults and 300,000 children
in the United States. Arthritis can start as early as
infancy, while it is most common among adults over 60,
primarily in the form of osteoarthritis. As the American
population ages, the number of people with arthritis is
increasing. Arthritis and related illnesses are the cause
of major disability in the U.S. and costs over $124 billion
a year in medical care and indirect expenses. Individuals
can help prevent osteoarthritis by following a few simple
steps:

-Maintain appropriate weight

-Consume fresh fruits and vegetables as a good
source of vitamins c and d

-Make sure you are getting enough calcium (adults:
1000-1500mg per day)

-Exercise

-Avoid sports injuries

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