What is Arthritis?

What is
Arthritis?


Arthritis is all too well known by most of us as a source of discomfort and
pain. There are different forms of arthritis, however, with distinctive symptoms
and prognosis.Osteoarthritis(OA)/arthrosis is a disease mainly characterized by
degenerative processes of the articular cartilage, but changes also involve the
synovial membrane and the bone next to the cartilage. It is a gradual decay that
most often affects the weight bearing joints (knees, hips and spinal joints) and
the joints of the hand. A breakdown of the cartilage matrix leads to cracks and
ulcers and a thinning of the cartilage with a loss of shock absorption. The

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis:


Arthritis is a term that includes a group of disorders that affect your
joints and muscles. Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and
limited movement of joints. When a joint is inflamed it may be swollen, tender,
warm to the touch or red. If you have experienced pain, stiffness, or swelling
around a joint for more than two weeks, you should visit your physician. Only a
physician can determine if you are suffering from symptoms of arthritis. You
need to find out which type you have in order to start the best course of
arthritis treatment. <Read
Detail Article>