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What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint and is the leading cause of disability in people over 55!
There are different forms of arthritis, the most common is Osteoarthritis (OA) (degenerative joint disease) a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint or age.
Arthritis wears away the articular cartilage at the end of the bone. The cartilage helps joints move smoothly without friction and absorbs shock. Eventually bone starts to rub against bone.
It can be genetic; In some people, the bones develop in a way that the cartilage wears away faster. Researches have also found that certain genes are higher in people with osteoarthritis.
Additional weight places more pressure in the hips and knees, which can contribute to cartilage breaking down in the joints
Overuse or injury to a joint, Injuries such as fractures or ligaments tears and repetitive movements can cause osteoarthritis.
Another form of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It can be a disabling and very painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of function and mobility. It is important to be aware with Rheumatoid arthritis not to exercise through bouts of inflammation. 70 percent of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are women, and two thirds of people with rheumatoid arthritis are overweight. Excess bodyweight is known to cause an increase in inflammation, which can exacerbate symptoms. Environment, Stress, and emotional trauma are all thought to play a role in developing rheumatoid arthritis.
At the moment there is no way to reverse osteoarthritis or cure rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are medications, which can reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and slow or stop the disease from progressing. Additionally, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, physio and in more severe cases medication or even surgery
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