Facts About Arthritis

What is Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition which is defined as inflammation of a joint that may lead to changes in the joint's structure. It causes pain and swelling. Some form of arthritis can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin and internal organs.

Arthritis is not a single disease but a group of over 100 diseases that can cause pain and limit movement. 

Three of the most common types are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rhematoid Arthritis
• Gout.

Osteoarthritis:

This is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other and the resulting friction leads to pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and facet joints (in the spine). Osteoarthritis often occurs as the cartilage breaks down, or degenerates, with age or overuse. For this reason, osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis:

This is a long-lasting disease that can affect joints in any part of the body except the lower back and most commonly involves the hands, wrists, and knees. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system -- the body's defense system against disease -- mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. In more severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and nerves.

Gout:

This is  a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee, and wrist joints.