Arthritis actually means “joint inflammation” and there are over 100 related conditions or forms of disease. Left untreated, it can become advanced, resulting in joint damage that is irreversible. If you suspect you have arthritis, early detection and treatment are vital.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although both have similar symptoms, both have different causes. When joints are overused or injured, osteoarthritis can develop. The cartilage protecting and cushioning the joint wears away, resulting in the bones rubbing painfully against each other. This seems to be more common in the knees, but is also found in the hips, spine and hands. By the time pain is felt, a lot of the cartilage will already have been worn away.

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There is a general misconception that arthritis is an age-related medical condition that afflicts only senior citizens or the elderly. This may be true for osteoarthritis, the most common type of joint disorder that usually affects adults of both sexes in their middle ages. But what most people don’t understand is that there are other types or causes of arthritis.

Arthritis, also known as joint inflammation, is defined as an inflammation of one or more joints and involves the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement.

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Pain is something that everyone needs to learn to deal with since it is a fact of life.

But for many people, pain takes on a very dramatic meaning, especially when the pain comes from a condition such as arthritis. Arthritis can affect the entire body and causes pain to the bones, tendons and muscles. Some people have resorted to the use of arthritis pain relief medications in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Others have a higher pain tolerance or pain threshold and do not necessarily need to take medication to stop arthritic pain.

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