Arthritis - Types, Causes, Treatment

Arthritis usually involves inflammation or degeneration (breakdown) of joints. These changes can cause pain when you use the joint. Arthritis is most common in lower limbs, hands and back.

Let's understand Arthritis in a bit detail.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. Arthritis is commonly known as Joint inflammation. It is a condition that involves inflammation, pain & stiffness of joint.

Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis involve with joints. The symptoms may include -

• pain
• stiffness
• swelling and redness of joints
• decreased range of motion.

TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

The most common type of Arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This condition involves wear-and-tear damage to oint's cartilage. Erosion of cartilage results in bone grinding, causes pain and restricted movement

Osteoarthritis causes deterioration the connective tissues that attach muscle to bone and hold the joint together. It also causes inflammation of the joint lining.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining of synovial membrane becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

How can arthritis be prevented?

You can lower your chances of developing arthritis by:

• Avoiding tobacco products.
• Doing low-impact, non-weight bearing exercise.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Reducing your risk of joint injuries.

MUSCULAR PAIN

Almost everyone has sore, aching muscles now and then. Muscle pain can involve a small area or your whole body. ranging from mild to excruciating. Although most muscle pain go away on their own within a short time but sometimes muscle pain can linger for months and requires special attention. All though muscle pain can develop almost anywhere in body, but it mostly seen at neck, back and legs.

Cause

The most common causes of muscle pain includes tension, stress, overuse and minor injuries. This type of pain is usually localized, affects a few muscles or a small part of body.

Treatment

Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.