Arthritis is a joint disease which usually affects the knees, wrists, fingers or part of the spinal column. It is common in older people as joint diseases tend to develop gradually either as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. While both types of arthritis affect the joint, each type may be the result of damage to different parts of the joint.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of arthritis include the following:

• joint pain
• stiffness
• swelling
• redness
• reduced range of motion

You may also experience symptoms in other parts of your body such as:

• fever
• fatigue
• rashes
• weight loss
• breathing problems
• dry eyes and mouth
• night sweats

Causes of arthritis
Joint damage

Joint damage may be the cause of arthritic pain when the cartilage that covers the ends of your bones is worn out and torn as in the case of osteoarthritis. Cartilage wear-and-tear may develop over the years and may be due to a history of dislocation, repeated trauma and injury to the joint.

Synovium inflammation

The synovium is the thin membrane that lines the joint capsule or protective covering of your joint and also secretes synovial fluid to lubricate your joint. In rheumatoid arthritis, your body’s immune system may attack your joint and cause your synovium to swell. This may lead to damage to your cartilage and joint bone.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase your chances of developing arthritis:

• genetics or your family’s history of arthritis
• obesity
• age
• female gender
• history of joint injury

Treatment of arthritis
Weight loss

Excess weight or obesity may add stress to your joints. Shedding excess weight of at least 5 to 10 pounds may help increase your mobility and prevent future joint injury.

Exercise

Regular physical activity helps maintain joint flexibility and lose excess weight. Consult your health professional before starting a new fitness program which is most likely going to include low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, biking, swimming or water aerobics. A regular exercise fitness routine may improve your joint’s range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints.

Hot and cold compress

Applying ice packs may reduce inflammation around your joints. If swelling is not present, a hot compress may also help relieve pain by improving circulation in the joint area.

Joint support

Canes, walkers and raised toilet seats may help you perform your daily tasks with less pain.

Nutritional supplements

Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in your cartilage. Clinical studies have shown that glucosamine can strengthen cartilage and renew synovial fluid. Taking glucosamine in conjunction with other natural therapies may reduce the need for pain medicine.

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese medicine treats arthritis with acupuncture where fine needles are inserted at specific points on the skin to stimulate the release of endorphins which reduce pain in your joints.

You can prevent the onset of arthritis by maintaining a healthy weight and diet and by getting enough exercise for flexibility and bone strength. Avoiding alcohol and smoking and reducing your intake of organ meats also help prevent joint pain from arthritis.