The Caring Corner®

Arthritis

November 19, 2013

Aide with Woman and WalkerWhile arthritis is most commonly associated with getting older, you can get it at any age.   Arthritis results from inflammation occurring in the joints.  And the pain associated with it is due to damage in the joint area.

There are various types of arthritis, some due to physical reasons and others metabolic issues in your body.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is truly the version of the disease that results from old age, because it comes from the wearing down of the cartilage in the joints.  Wear and tear over the years — perhaps exacerbated by sports, running or an extremely active lifestyle — deteriorates the cartilage between the bones.   Bad biomechanics (you run a little lopsided, or one leg is slightly longer than the other) may contribute to the joints not tracking as nature intended and faster wearing down of the cartilage.  Eventually, enough wears away that you have bone-on-bone contact.

Gout

Gout occurs when too much uric acid develops in the blood.  On occasion, it accumulates in a joint, often the big toe.  Scientists are unsure about the causes of gout, but a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in anti-inflammatory agents and anti-oxidants can inly help.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system gets out of whack, and causes inflammation in the joint.  The symptoms include pain, swelling, build up of fluid at the joint and redness.  RA over time destroys the cartilage and bone in the joint area.  In the long term it can cause permanent disability.  The condition can be improved through both medication and improved lifestyle (eat an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, etc.)

 

 

 

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