Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling diseases? It’s true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40 million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60 million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this article and find out what this devastating disease is truly about.

Arthritis: What it Is

Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or simply wear and tear on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an overactive Immune System that results in inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in the joints, leading to Gout Arthritis. The joint pain, inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as arthralgia. Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.

Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly. This simply isn’t the case. Yes, it’s true that seniors, especially senior women, are affected the greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.

One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental that of the diseases that instill chronic physical disabilities, Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.

Some steps and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:

1.) Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the joints)

2.) Increasing their Nutritional Intake

3.) Reducing Stress (both physical and emotional)

4.) Participating in Gentle Stress-Free Exercises such as Stretching

5.) Using both Hot and Cold Therapies

6.) Drug Therapies

If you suffer from Arthritis, don’t give up. There are many people who are discovering that with the proper management and health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and pain free lives.