All arthritis conditions affect the musculoskeletal system and joints which causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, and damage to the joint cartilage. The joints are protected by tissue called cartilage which ensures the ends of bones don't rub against one another.
Therefore, because of this, cartilage has the exact same needs as the other glands and organs; cartilage cells are referred to as chondrocytes. New cartilage cells or chondrocytes are replaced with new ones as they die.
When there is prolonged inflammation, cartilage cells are destroyed and die faster than the body's ability to replace them. Cartilage cells are not sufficiently regenerated when there is injury or insufficient nutrition for regenerating new cells.
Damage from this condition can also cause joint weakness, instability and deformities; all of which interrupt daily activities. The traditional treatment to arthritis demands change of one's lifestyle besides physical therapy and medication. In most cases your only option is to have a replacement surgery done to soothe the excruciating pain in the joints.
Arthritis is divided into to major groups that may affect the 'localized' or 'generalized' parts of the body or even depending on the joints that get damaged; it then is further divided into sub-groups. Localized Conditions: This affects the soft tissue surrounding the joints or bones is refers to conditions such as bursitis or tendinitis.
A sub category of localized conditions is when only one or two joints are affected like the hip or the knee. A generalized arthritis condition is a condition where the muscles and the soft tissues get damaged, in this condition there is no swelling or any kind of inflammation on the joints. In this condition there is no evident kind of damage caused to the joints and is known as Fibromyalgia; this form of the condition is widespread among people.
In the second sub-group is a condition in which the person suffering from this condition may have swelling on the whole body. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis come under this category. Vasculities (affects all the organs), polymyositis (affects muscles) and erythematosus (affects kidney, skin and other organs) are the other conditions that belong to the generalized category.
46 million adults and 300,000 children are approximately affected in the United States with one or more of the 100 different medical arthritic conditions. This condition can start as early as infancy, while it is most common among adults over 60, primarily in the form of osteoarthritis. As the American population ages, the number of people suffering with it is increasing.
Medical care and indirect expenses costs over 124 billion dollars in the US where arthritis and related problems are the main cause of disability. By taking the time to follow a couple of simple steps, most individuals can help to prevent osteoarthritis: The ability to maintain the appropriate weight and consume fresh vegetables and fruits are a really good source of vitamins D and C.
Also by making sure they are getting enough calcium (adults: 1000-1500mg per day), regular exercise and to avoid injuries brought about by sports activities.
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