ARTHRITIS is joint inflammation that causes cartilage breakdown. Cartilage protects joints and enables ease of movement, and absorbs shock from pressure. With arthritis, movement becomes restricted because of cartilage loss. Arthritis also may cause bones to grind together which causes pain, stiffness and swelling.
Some possible reasons for onset of arthritis may be past broken bones, bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune disorders like lupus, and overall physical wear and tear.
Some forms of arthritis include Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Factors that may increase an individual's chances of getting arthritis or osteoarthritis are injuring affected joints, being overweight or through repetitive actions of affected joints.
Symptoms of arthritis may include swelling of joints and joint pain, stiffness, skin redness and warmth around the affected joint, and decreased abilty to move joint.
There are several preventive measures persons can take by starting with healthy, balanced diets and proper exercise and rest. Additionally, arthritis can be helped through conventional and alternative medicines such as physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy and more.
To learn more about arthritis, visit the US National Library of Medicine, or feel free to peruse our health articles at HolisticJunction.com. To find a practitioner who specializes in arthritis, or a practitioner who can assist you with your arthritis, check out our holistic and consumer resources at HolisticJunction.com today.
*Information about Arthritis derived from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health
Arthritis