ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is not one disease alone, but an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body. "Arthritis" literally means joint inflammation. Our joints are key to our ability to move, bend, hold, balance, lift. The term Arthritis - meaning "joint inflammation" is rather a symptom or sign than a specific diagnosis for this condition that affects primarily the joints.

There are several types of Arthritis:

1. Ankylosing Spondylitis affects the spine and involves redness, heat, swelling, and pain in the spine or at its meeting point with the pelvic bone.
2. Gout is caused by crystals that build up in the joints. Though the big toe shows the painful swelling prominently, several other joints could likely be affected as well.
3. Juvenile Arthritis shows up at an early age - in childhood. Children affected by this type suffer from inflammation of the joints.
4. Osteoarthritis mostly follows a joint injury and ends up affecting one's fingers, knees, and hips.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis can give scaly red and white skin patches on the skin and the joints and areas where tissues attach to bone.
6. Reactive Arthritis is a part and parcel of an internal inflammatory infection in the body. Affected people may likely show swollen eyes and may also have a swelling on the urinary tract.
7. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. RA affects joints and bones (often of the hands and feet), and may also affect internal organs and systems. Being an autoimmune condition, RA can cause inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.

Is arthritis curable or reversible?
Arthritis treatments vary depending on the type of disease one suffers from. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

When to see a doctor?
Every case of sore and swollen joints need not be due to arthritis. But if you see a doctor on time when you have pain and stiffness that starts with no clear reason, lasts for more than a few days, and also causes swelling, redness, and warmth - you are on the right path for treatment. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse and causing long-term damage.

To learn more about arthritis, its types, possible treatment options, and general information - you have arrived at the right spot. Keep reading to nourish your knowledge of this condition that will someday, hopefully soon, have a complete cure.