An overview of ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of one or more joints. It is often characterized majorly by a pain in the joint, swelling of the area and stiffness of the joint. Sometimes, it may redden the skin.

There are over 100 types of Arthritis. Although, the main ones that usually occur are the first two.

• Rheumatoid arthritis - It is often known as Rheumatism. It is a form of arthritis that is caused by an auto immune disorder which affects the synovium (membrane lining between movable joints) especially in the hands and feet. The production of synovial fluid by the synovium is altered and may cause swelling or stiffness of the joint.
• Osteoarthritis - This type of arthritis has to do with the wear and tear (breakdown) of the cartilage (tissue that cover the end of bones) of bones in joints especially in knees, fingers, back, hip ~ mostly weight-bearing joints. This can cause severe pain in the joints and may even affect the structure of the bone.
• Gout - This form of arthritis is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints causing inflammation.
• Lupus
• Septic arthritis
• Still's disease
• Lyme disease
• Fibromyalgia e.t.c.

All types of Arthritis are classified under Degenerative arthritis, Inflammatory arthritis and Metabolic arthritis.

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Causes of Arthritis

• Injury
• Metabolic abnormalities
• Microbial inflections
• Gene inheritance

Treatment
Generally, there are no specific drugs used in curing Arthritis totally but the effect can be reduced or suppressed. In some cases joint replacement may be required.

• One may rest, apply ice or heat on the area or do a bit of exercise (not to increase pain) to avoid continuous stiffness.
• Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are also used depending on the type of arthritis.
  Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is helps to reduce or manage the pain while Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to also relieve pain and fever.

References:
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php
http://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/article.htm
http://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthritis
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/home/ovc-20168903
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