What is Arthritis? In Greek the word arthritis means “inflamed joint”. However the term does not exclusively refer to the inflammation of a joint. Arthritis may also indicate a joint that is worm, damaged, strained, infected, or injured. When any joint in your body is affected by arthritis, you experience considerable discomfort and pain as a result of the nerves in the joint sending pain messages to the brain. Movement becomes difficult as the smooth functioning of the joint starts to break down. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage- the fibrous tissue covering the ends of the bones-becomes thin and flaky and begins to split. The bone underneath thickens and starts to project at the edges of the joint, reducing the degree of movement. Fluid in the joint increases, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain. The capsules encasing the joint is stretched. In severe osteoarthritis the cartilage may wear away completely, exposing the bone. Chalky deposits of crystals may form in the bone and can break off and float around in the fluid. The joint may become permanently damaged. In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation starts in the membrane surrounding the joint, which then thickens and begins to occupy the space within the joint. The inflammation spread to the rest of the joint capsule, and the ligaments and tendons that surround and support the joint become stretched, so the joint itself may become unstable. If the inflammation remains unchecked, the cartilage in the joint will shrink and the exposed ends of the bone will erode. This can result in painful swollen joints. The joints of the body vary widely in their structure. Some, like the hip and shoulder, allow movement in all directions. Others, such as the elbow, move only backward and forward. In the spine the vertebrates have even less independent movement, and they are jointed without a capsule or any lubricating fluid. This presents the disk of cushioning cartilage between them with an even more crucial role to play: This is why back pain is the most widespread and intractable form of joint pain that troubles human beings. Types of Arthritis Arthritis takes on a number of forms. The most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Types of arthritis can be grouped according to the following general causes. Degenerative Joints, just like the moving parts of any machine wear out and perform less reliably with heavy use and with the passage of time. The joints of the human body simply wear out. Degenerative types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, which is the most common form. You may get arthritis as you grow older because your cartilage is the type that becomes thin and flaky with age, or because you have exposed your joints to heavy use, perhaps from playing sports. Or, you may have imposed undue strain on them by loading them with too much body weight. Another possibility is that one of your hip joints has been subjected to excessive wear because one of your legs is longer than the other, which is not uncommon. Autoimmune Disorders In inflammatory types of arthritis, of which the most is rheumatoid arthritis, the cause of inflammation is often unknown. It is possible that the inflammation is sparked by a virus. This may trigger the body’s own defense mechanisms to turn against themselves and perpetuate the inflammation even in the absence of any harmful agents. Thus, rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disorder. Metabolic When a joint becomes inflamed because the body fails to flush away harmful crystals of uric acid that form inside the joint, the result is gout, a painful type of metabolic arthritis. Other Types Some types of arthritis can also be caused by bacterial or viral infections. What is Rheumatism? Rheumatism is generally understood to describe aches and pains in the muscles and joints, especially in connection with a damp, wintry atmosphere. It is not technically a recognized medical term. Healthcare professionals use the following classifications: rheumatic diseases, rheumatic disorders, or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Thank You for visiting Arthritis Help for You! Herbal Supplements – Arthritis Supplements |
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