You may hear of the word arthritis a lot but not necessarily understand what it is all about. Well, arthritis can be grouped into three categories: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis is a term used to describe a number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases found in the joint area. Arthritis can be caused by disease, infection, a defect in the genes, old age, or a number of other reasons. Many people associate arthritis with any pain that includes the body’s movements such as back pain, tendonitis, or any type of discomfort in the joints.
If you know someone who has arthritis you have witnessed just how painfully uncomfortable it can be, depending upon its severity. This is because arthritis inflammation causes inflexibility and puffiness not only in the joint area but in the neighboring tissues as well.
Many people who are facing maturity are being confronted with arthritis. Although there is no cure yet for arthritis there are both conventional and non-conventional methods that make living with arthritis a lot less painful.
Below you will find information on three different types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, describes the pain that can come from a gradual and consistent loss of cartilage in the joint area. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the US and touches the lives of some 21 million adults, primarily the mature. It is also known as the “wear and tear” type of arthritis. This is because after a period of time the cartilage that is found on the end of the bones, think of it as a cushion, wears off. This in turn allows the joints to rub against each other with no cushioning in between joints. Yes, it is as painful as it sounds. Osteoarthritis most commonly includes the joints that bare the heavy lifting throughout ones lifespan, including the spine, knees, and hips, but it is not limited to these areas and can find its way anywhere in the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis usually impacts individuals between the ages of 25 – 55. Women are affected by this type of arthritis twice as much as men are. It affects 2.1 million Americans and it is characterized by inflammation and pain in particular parts of the body. Areas that includes: hands (knuckles and finger joints), wrists, feet, shoulders, and elbows. People with rheumatoid arthritis are prone to low energy and an inability to sleep. It can also lead to other complications in the body. There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis but early detection can help prevent some of its severity like permanent disability.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, or “Still’s disease”, is known when the arthritis has become predictable and systematic. This takes on the characterizations of a day by day fever as well as anemia. This disease can also roll over and effect different parts of the body including the heart, lungs and eyes. One or more joints are pounded with severe pain for weeks at a time, and treatment is no different than with adults. But, children usually recover fully from this disease without any long-lasting effects.