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What is Arthritis?
Many people use alternative remedies for arthritis, but there is little reliable evidence to support the use of many of these products. Some alternative remedies appear to reduce the symptoms of some types of arthritis but not others. The most promising alternative remedies for arthritis include: Glucosamine. Although study results have been mixed, many experts now recommend this nutritional supplement as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. Acupuncture. This therapy uses fine needles inserted at specific points on the skin to reduce many types of pain, including that caused by some types of arthritis. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Using a small device that produces...
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Also known as joint inflammation, Polyarthritis, Arthritides, Polyarthritides
Arthritis information from trusted sources:
Arthritis Facts
Arthritis Foundation information about how many people have this condition and what types they have. Also explains symptoms for each type. Read more on
www.arthritis.org
Arthritis Center - Everyday Health
Get info on coping with an arthritis diagnosis, how to deal with common arthritis symptoms, using medications and other arthritis treatments, and more. Read more on
www.everydayhealth.com
Arthritis: MedlinePlus Interactive Health Tutorial from the ...
Arthritis. Start X-Plain Interactive Tutorial · Start X-Plain Self Playing Tutorial · Open X-Plain Text Summary. This option starts the interactive ... Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Arthritis
Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two bones meet. A joint functions to allow movement of the body parts it connects. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Arthritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body. ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Arthritis Treatments - Arthritis Treatment Options
Jun 24, 2007 ... There are many treatment options for arthritis. Medications are considered traditional treatment for arthritis but some patients look for ... Read more on
arthritis.about.com
Arthritis of the Hand - Your Orthopaedic Connection - AAOS
Over time, if the arthritis is not treated, the bones that make up the joint can lose their normal shape. This causes more pain and further limits motion. ... Read more on
orthoinfo.aaos.org
Living with Arthritis
It's true that arthritis can be painful. But there are things you can do to feel better. This booklet tells you some facts about arthritis and gives you ... Read more on
www.niams.nih.gov
Arthritis - UW Medicine - Department of Orthopedics and Sports ...
University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics offers articles on topics include conditions, living with arthritis, medications, and surgery. Read more on
www.orthop.washington.edu
Arthritis - MayoClinic.com
Arthritis — Comprehensive overview covers arthritis symptoms, arthritis treatment and types of arthritis. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Contents
Causes
The cause of osteoarthritis is not fully known. One theory is that some people are genetically predisposed to developing the disease, but this has not yet been proven.
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www.nhs.uk
Complications
Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to take care of daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed.
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Coping and support
The pain and disability associated with arthritis can be frustrating and depressing. In many cases, it may help to talk about your feelings with people who are facing the same problems.
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Diagnosis
Arthritis is usually diagnosed by the symptoms and a physical examination. In making a diagnosis, related factors, such as your occupation, activities that may strain joints (such as regular sporting activities), medical history, and any history of arthritis in your family, will be taken into account.
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www.nhs.uk
Exams and Tests
First, your doctor will take a detailed medical history to see if arthritis or another musculoskeletal problem is the likely cause of your symptoms.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Lifestyle and home remedies
Medical advice
Call your doctor if:Your joint pain persists beyond 3 days.; You have severe unexplained joint pain.; The affected joint is significantly swollen.; You have a hard time moving the joint.; Your skin around the joint is red or hot to the touch.; You have a fever or have lost weight unintentionally.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Outlook (Prognosis)
A few arthritis-related disorders can be completely cured with treatment. Most are chronic (long-term) conditions, however, and the goal of treatment is to control the pain and minimize joint damage. Chronic arthritis frequently goes in and out of remission.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
Preparing for your appointment
While you might first discuss your symptoms with your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a rheumatologist a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions for further evaluation.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Prevention
While there is no proven way to prevent arthritis, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly may help reduce your risk.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Risk factors
Risk factors for arthritis include: Family history. Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder. While your genes don't actually cause arthritis, they can make you more susceptible to environmental factors that may trigger arthritis. Age. The risk of many types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout increases with age. Sex. Women are more likely than are men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most of the people who have gout are men. Previous joint injury. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis...
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Symptoms
Treatments and drugs
Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. You may need to try several different treatments, or combinations of treatments, before you determine what works best for you.
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www.mayoclinic.com