About Arthritis

Arthritis is not one disease but literally hundreds of joint and bone diseases that, if left untreated, can debilitate a person. Although there are hundreds of types of this disease in men, women and children, the two most common types include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Arthritis does not affect just one part of the body but can affect any parts of the bones and joints.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Those who know what the early symptoms are can get it treated right away. The early symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, redness and warmth around the area that is affected, tenderness within or around the affected joint or bone and loss of motion for the affected joint and bone. Noticing these symptoms as early as possible is best to be able to get the arthritis treated before it becomes debilitating.

Causes of Arthritis

There are several factors that need to be determines to find out the cause of the arthritis you may be suffering from. Some of these factors include genes, weight, age, a previous injury or injuries, illness or infection, some sports, sex and even a job hazard. Women are more likely to be affected by rheumatoid arthritis while men are mostly affected by gout.

Treatments for Arthritis

There are many different treatments for arthritis but it will depend on what type of treatment you receive by what type of arthritis you have. The sooner you get diagnosed; the better off you will be because you will be treated as early as possible. Treatments can help ensure you live a happier, pain free and normal life. The treatments for arthritis include different medications, natural treatments and even injections in the bone or joint that is affected.

Medications for Arthritis

It depends on the type of arthritis you have and how bad it is but you can take different medications to relieve the pain associated with it. Some arthritis medications include NSAID’s, pain medications, Cox 2 inhibitors and corticosteroids.

Joint Injections

Injections to the joint can help relieve the symptoms associated with arthritis. The most common type is called Viscosupplementation which allows for a gel like substance to be injected into the joint. There is also the option of steroid injections which can help one certain joint that may be giving you trouble.

Natural Treatments for Arthritis

Although it is still a good idea to talk to your doctor about your arthritis problems, you can go the more natural approach. Natural treatments for arthritis include acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, magnets, yoga, meditation, biofeedback and different supplements such as fish oil and glucosamine.