Arthritis, inflammation of a joint. Over 100 different diseases can produce arthritis. In its most common and troubling forms, arthritis may occur in one or more joints of the body and is usually a long-term condition that may progressively disable and handicap.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form, affects an estimated 16 million people in the United States, especially women; it is a usually mild, sometimes painful disease occurring primarily with advancing age, when degenerative changes alter the structure of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is by far the most serious, painful, and potentially crippling form; it is chronic, is characterised by flare-ups and remissions, and affects one million in the United States, mostly women, but even children. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints primarily but may affect supporting connective tissues throughout the body, causing fever, weakness, fatigue, and deformity.
Inflammation of the joints can also be caused by gout, rheumatic fever, or ankylosing spondylitis, a disease that affects the spine.
What causes most types is unknown. Because there are so many different types, there are likely to be many different causes.
Scientists are currently studying what roles three major factors play in certain types of arthritis. These include the genetic factors you inherit from your parents, what happens to you during your life and how you live. The importance of these factors varies for every type of arthritis.
Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, which inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins, are used, as well as programmes of exercise, rest, heat, and assistive devices to maintain joint motion and function. Disability in advanced cases can be markedly reduced, and surgery is often effective in correcting deformities.
This site is new and is being developed and continually updated and expanded to bring you information which we hope will help you to learn more about how to spot arthritis, what to do and how various organisations can help. We also hope you will support the arthritis research varies organisations are undertaking all over the world by making donations to them.
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