Arthritis Is the Inflammation of One or More Joints

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. It usually results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and/or limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the primary types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, septic, gouty, juvenile idiopathic, Still’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Symptoms
-Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, swelling, deformed joints, reduced range of motion and loss of use of the joint, cracking or creaking.
-Some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint inflammation, fatigue, loss of appetite/weight loss, muscle aches, or malaise/feeling ill.
-Some of the symptoms of septic arthritis are chills, fatigue, fever, inability to move the limb with the infected joint, severe pain in affected joint, swelling, or warmth.
-Some of the symptoms of gout are warmth, pain, swelling, extreme tenderness in a joint. Usually this joint is the big toe. Gouty arthritis can be the most painful type of chronic inflammatory arthritis.
-Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis may have one or more symptoms such as joint pain, swelling or stiffness, trouble sleeping, or problems walking.
-Some of the symptoms of Still’s disease are a fever, joint paint/warmth/swelling, a pink-colored skin rash, severe muscle aches, or a sore throat.
-Some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are pain and stiffness, bony fusion, or pain in ligaments and tendons.

Causes
Joints are places that two bones rub together. Cartilage covers the end of each bone to prevent them from moving directly against each other. The joint is nourished by synovial fluid, which surrounds it. Some kinds of arthritis happen when the cartilage wears down, or when there is a lack of fluid.

Treatment
-Aquatic therapy is beneficial for people who have with arthritis due to difficulty with weight bearing activities. Blood circulation is increased by the warm temperature of the water that provides heat for the joints. Patients also benefit from the mild resistance provided by the water.

-Infrared therapy can effectively help manage arthritis pain since it improves blood circulation and relaxes muscles. The cold laser is effective in helping osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

-Although it is viewed officially as investigational, many people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis benefit from electrical stimulation. It is used to improve muscle performance, endurance, and maintaining or enhancing muscle strength.

-Exercise is an essential part of treating arthritis. Strengthening the surrounding muscles helps to support the joint.