| Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is | | | | arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, |
| damage caused to the joints of the body. Arthritis is | | | | and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the |
| the leading cause of disability in people over the age of | | | | disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty |
| 55. Arthritis is a common condition that affects an | | | | (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding |
| estimated 8 million people in the UK. One type of | | | | forms of arthritis. Eat a diet rich in vitamins and |
| arthritis, osteoarthritis, is often related to aging or to an | | | | minerals, especially antioxidants like vitamin E. These |
| injury. Other types occur when your immune system, | | | | are found in fruits and vegetables. Apply capsaicin |
| which normally protects your body from infection, | | | | cream (derived from hot chili peppers) to the skin over |
| attacks your body's own tissues. | | | | your painful joints. Anti-biologics -- these are the most |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of this | | | | recent breakthrough for the treatment of rheumatoid |
| kind of arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a form of | | | | arthritis. Such medications, including etanercept (Enbrel), |
| the disease that happens in children. There are many | | | | infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira), are |
| forms of arthritis (over 100 and growing). The forms | | | | administered by injection and can dramatically improve |
| range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage | | | | your quality of life. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) |
| (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with | | | | inhibitors -These drugs block an inflammation-promoting |
| inflammation resulting from an overactive immune | | | | enzyme called COX-2. Corticosteroids ("steroids") |
| system. Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic | | | | -these are medications that suppress the immune |
| diseases. They are similar in that they have a | | | | system and symptoms of inflammation. |
| tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, | | | | Arthritis Pain Treatment Tips |
| cartilage, tendons, and many have the potential to | | | | 1. Topical pain killers come as gels, creams, lotions or |
| affect internal body areas. Women - 24.3 million of the | | | | patches that are applied directly to the skin over your |
| people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Men - 17.1 million | | | | aching joints. |
| of the people with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. | | | | 2. Topical prescription medications containing the |
| Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health | | | | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac |
| problems and the nation's leading cause of disability | | | | are available in countries outside the United States. |
| among Americans over age 15. Arthritis involves the | | | | 3. Bromelain a proteclytic enzyme present in |
| breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the | | | | pineapples helps prevent inflammation. |
| joint, allowing for smooth movement. Arthritis is second | | | | 4. Ginger is a fantastic herb. It has been used for the |
| only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. | | | | treatment of many aliments. |
| Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are | | | | 5. Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper is another |
| rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting | | | | wonderful herb, with a wide range of medical |
| various organs of the body that do not directly involve | | | | properties to heal the body. |
| the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the | | | | 6. Ginkgo biloba have been shown to help with |
| morning; in the early stages. Symptoms of arthritis | | | | circulation and improve blood flow. |
| include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation | | | | 7. Boswellia has been used for thousands of years as |
| of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint | | | | a natural anti-inflammatory. |
| stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Nicotine from | | | | 8. Gandhaprasarini inhibited the elevation of serum |
| heavy cigarette smoking appears to slow joint | | | | orosomucoid levels in rats, suggesting the possibility of |
| destruction associated with rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | the presence of disease-modifying antirheumatic |
| Treatment options vary depending on the type of | | | | activity. |