Category - Arthritis

Also known as joint inflammation, arthritis has about 200 conditions or more as it affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children. Since it is a common ailment that all people experience throughout their lives, it is still not being understood. Even though it is the leading cause of disability in America, anyone can have some form of joint pain or disease. Arthritis is common among women and can occur more as people get older. The symptoms caused by arthritis include swelling, pain, joint stiffness, and a decreased range of motion (ROM).  The symptoms can range from being mild to severe and can come and go over time. Sometimes the symptoms can stay the same for years; however, they can get worse. When arthritis becomes severe in a person, the results can lead to chronic pain, the inability to do daily chores, and difficulty walking or climbing the stairs.  Arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and changes in the body. Sometimes the changes can be visible, like knobby fingers, but it is usually seen only on x-rays. There are different types of arthritis affecting an individual’s eyes, heart, kidneys, lungs, and skin.