Arthritis is a painful chronic condition characterized by inflammation in the joints. There are two variations of arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. While both are painful, the two differ in symptoms and which parts of the body are affected.
Arthritis Symptoms
Pain and stiffness in the joints are the primary symptoms of arthritis with additional symptoms including anemia, colitis, constipation, and deformities of the hands or feet. Exercise and movement can exacerbate the pain felt within the joints, making it difficult for arthritic people to move around.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints affecting mainly the elder population. The main cause of the condition is the structural change of the cartilage within the joints primarily affecting weight bearing areas of the body, especially the knees and the spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious condition that targets a wide variety of age ranges. This type of arthritis develops gradually over time until it has not only affected the body’s joints but also muscles, tendons, and a variety of other tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by inflammation in joint lining rather than the structural integrity of the cartilage. The attack on the joint lining causes severe swelling and deformity. The main causes of rheumatoid arthritis include a hormone imbalance, injury, shock, infection, physical and emotional stress. This type of arthritis is also influenced by hereditary components.
While there are no cures for arthritis, there are a variety of effective treatments. In addition, many home remedies, herbal supplements, OTC drugs, hot compresses, cold compresses and of course physical activities are available to help work with symptoms and promote range of motion. Speak with your physician before starting any type of arthritis treatment.