Arthritis

HOME

About Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans is affected by one of the more than 100 types of arthritis.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and limited movement of joints. When a joint is inflamed it may be swollen, tender, warm to the touch or red. If you have experienced pain, stiffness, or swelling around a joint for more than two weeks, you should visit your physician. Only a physician can determine if you are suffering from symptoms of arthritis. You need to find out which type you have in order to start the best course of arthritis treatment. These arthritis symptoms may come up slowly over time and may also include sleeplessness, fatigue, depression, and muscle aches.

Types Of Arthritis

Arthritis is not a single disease. There are over 100 types of arthritis. It is a commonly heard that arthritis is just an old-person's disease.Well this is not true there is a such thing as juvenile arthritis.

Ways to prevent Arthritis

1.   Maintain your ideal body weight. The more you weigh, the more stress you are putting on your joints, especially your hips,  knees, back and feet. 2.    Move your body. Exercise protects  joints by strengthening the muscles around them. 3.   Stand up straight. Good posture  protects the joints in your neck, back, hips and knees. 4.   Use the big joints. When lifting or carrying, use largest and strongest joints and muscles. This will help you avoid injury and strain on your smaller joints. 5.   Pace yourself. Alternate periods  of heavy activity with periods of rest. Repetitive stress on joints for long periods of  time can accelerate the wear and tear.

Bibliography http://www.stayinginshape.com/3chsbuffalo/libv/i03.shtml http://www.yourdictionary.com/ahd/r/r0219000.html http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/30956-9.asp