What is Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of the joints (the points where bones meet) in one or more areas of the body. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, all of which have different causes and treatment methods. The symptoms of arthritis usually appear gradually but they may also occur suddenly. .Who gets arthritis?Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65 but it can also develop in children and teens Some statistics says

1. Around 10 million people will seek help from their family doctor each year with arthritis or related conditions.
2. Of these, it’s estimated that around 8 million will have osteoarthritis, and more than 400,000 will have rheumatoid arthritis.
3. About 15,000 children and adolescents will suffer from juvenile forms of arthritis.
4. Around 250,000 people will have gout.
5. About 10,000 people have lupus (SLE).

What Causes Arthritis? Cartilage is a flexible, connective tissue in joints that absorbs the pressure and shock created from movement like running and walking. It also protects the joints and allows for smooth movement.Some forms of arthritis are caused by a reduction in the normal amount of this cartilage tissue. Osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, is caused by normal wear and tear throughout life; this natural breakdown of cartilage tissue can be exacerbated by an infection or injury to the joints.The risk of developing osteoarthritis may be higher if you have a family history of the disease.Another common form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, occurs when your body’s immune system attacks the tissues of the body. These attacks affect the synovium, which secretes a fluid that nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can eventually lead to the destruction of both bone and cartilage inside the joint. The exact cause of the immune system’s attacks has not yet been discovered, but scientists have discovered genetic markers that increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis tenfold.What Are the Signs of Arthritis? The most common symptoms of arthritis involve the joints. Joint pain and stiffness, mostly in the morning, are typical signs, along with swelling of the joints. You may also experience a decrease in range of motion of your joints or redness of the skin around the joint.In the case of rheumatoid arthritis you may feel tired or experience a loss of appetite because of the inflammation caused by your body’s attacking immune system. You may also become anemic (experience decreased red blood cells) or have a slight fever. Severe rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deformity if left untreated.How Is Arthritis Diagnosed? Diagnosis of arthritis will start with your physician performing a physical exam, during which he or she will check for limited range of motion in the joint, the feeling of fluid around joints, or warm or red joints. Extraction and analysis of your bodily fluids like blood and joint fluid can help your doctor determine what kind of arthritis you have by checking for inflammation levels. Imaging scans such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans are commonly used to produce an image of your bones and cartilage so your doctor can better determine whether something like a bone spur is the cause of your symptoms.How Is Arthritis Treated? The main goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of pain you’re experiencing and prevent any additional damage to the joints. Improving your joint function is also important, and you may be prescribed a combination of treatment methods to achieve the best results.MedicationMedications that can help arthritis symptoms include:Medications that control pain, like hydrocodone (Vicodin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), are effective for pain, but don’t help decrease inflammation.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help control both pain and inflammation, but they have been linked to a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. If you take tan oral form of NSAIDs, they can upset your stomach.Menthol or capsaicin creams may be used to impede your joint’s pain signal transmission.If you have rheumatoid arthritis your doctor may put you on corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that suppress your immune system.SurgerySurgery to have your joint replaced with an artificial one may be an option. This form of surgery is most commonly performed to replace hips and knees. If your arthritis is most severe in your fingers or wrists, your doctor may perform a joint fusion. In this procedure, the ends of your bones are locked together until they heal and become one.Physical TherapyPhysical therapy involving exercises that help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint is a core component of arthritis treatment. Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the symptoms in those that have osteoarthritis, and they are also effective in reducing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.