While there are many conditions you may never experience or know someone who has, odds are arthritis is not one of them. Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain and inflammation. It is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans. Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but it is most common in the hands, knees, hips, and feet. This article will discuss how arthritis affects the body and some of the treatment options available.
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What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a term that describes a wide range of conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. The most common symptom of arthritis is pain, ranging from mild to debilitating. Other symptoms include inflammation, stiffness, and damage to the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, the symptoms may worsen with age or be more pronounced during certain activities.There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that typically occurs as people age. The condition affects the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, causing the cartilage to break down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joints. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. If you think you may be suffering from osteoarthritis, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, RA affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system – which protects your health by attacking foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses – mistakenly attacks your body’s healthy tissues. While the exact cause of RA is unknown, a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
How Arthritis Affects The Body
As mentioned before, arthritis can affect any joint in your body, but it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and feet. The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis you have as well as the severity. Next, let’s take a look at how arthritis can affect different parts of the body.
Arthritis In The Hands
The hands are especially vulnerable to arthritis, as they are constantly in use and subject to wear and tear. Several types of arthritis can affect the hands, but joint pain is the most common symptom. This pain is often worse in the morning or after long rest periods.
Other symptoms may include inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. However, with proper treatment, arthritis does not have to limit your ability to use your hands.
