Arthritis - Definition and causes

The word Arthritis comes from the Greek "Arthros" meaning that joints and "itis" that describes inflammation (bronch-itis, tendon-itis, laryng-itis). A simple definition would therefore be "inflammation in the joints". This definition is optimum but perhaps simplistic and so Arthritis sufferers know that it's a lot more.

Arthritis is one of the rheumatic diseases. These in turn are conditions that are different complications and Treatments. A BASIC Rheumatoid condition will hit joints, soft tissues, ligaments, muscles, tendons and can also affect the musculo-skeletal (muscles as well as bones) system. They may also include autoimmune diseases, one of which is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Getting back to Arthritis, as mentioned it happens to the joints where inflammation is present. The joints are where two or more bones are in contact and has developed to allow movement and give mechanical support. Our finger and toes for example have joints.

These joints are grouped into three:

Fibrous joints that are joined by fibrous as well as skin.
Cartilaginous joints, by cartilage
Synovial joints : not joined directly but where the articulation is provided by lubricating synovial fluid.

In Arthritis the cartilage wears away and so the joint when moved is inside lost its cushion so to speak. Inflammation and pain is present.

There are over 100 different types of Arthritis, some say more than 150. It is a chronic illness which makes it long lasting and continuous. (An acute illness on the other hand is one that appears abruptly and generally of short duration). The chronic aspect of Arthritis highlights thinking about it is there for the long haul.

The different types of Arthritis make it a most common of all of the chronic diseases in The usa. Of these OsteoArthritis is easily the most prevalent and affects the cartilage as well as the associated pain an infection. Other types affecting most people are Rheumatoid Arthritis which comes along inflammation caused by immune system.

The causes of Arthritis are numerous where the specific type could originate from:

• Injury (hence OsteoArthritis)






• Hereditary moreover gene causes






• Infections






• Autoimmune abnormalities (Rheumatoid Arthritis)






• Gout and other metabolic problems

What is important about this would be that the diagnosis of the type together with cause will define the cures. For example Arthritis away from gout will have among its remedies a weight loss based regime.

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