Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease that involves the joints. More specifically, it is damage to the joints. Arthritis can progress to the point where it renders a person disabled, in constant pain, and sometimes deformed joints.

Arthritis can be caused by:

• Autoimmune disease: where the body's own immune system damages the joint. Causes rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gouty: where uric acid crystals deposit in the joints.
• Septic: which is caused by infection.

Besides the above, some believe that arthritis can also be caused by being overweight, repetitive activities, excessive high impact exercise, and heredity (predisposition).

Although the real underlying causes of arthritis are unknown, there is some evidence to support that sometimes it can be prevented, or kept at bay, through lifestyle habits. For example, strength exercises which make the joints stronger because the muscles provide more support, keeping body weight at a proper level, and proper posture when sitting and walking (avoid high heel shoes). In addition, avoid activities which cause pain to the joints.

There are two main mechanical reasons which lead to arthritis. They occurs when:

• The tissue between a joint (called cartilage) becomes worn and the two bones grind together during movement. This is common in the knees which are weight bearing. The cartilage separating the femur from the two lower bones (tibia and fibula) is called the meniscus.
• The synovium becomes inflamed and thick, which leads to the production of extra fluid which contains inflammatory cells. The synovium is a fluid which lines the joint capsule and is responsible for lubricating the joint.

If you feel pain, stiffness, or swelling in the joints, that persists for more than 4-5 days, you should go to your physician for a proper diagnosis. Early correct diagnosis and treatment can many times prevent, or at least reduce the rate, the disease from becoming worst. Treatment can include medication, heat and cold packs, physiotherapy, and sometimes surgery.