Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
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.
An early diagnosis will be effective in managing and treating arthritis, so it is a good idea to check with your doctor if you are experiencing the following symptoms.
