Quick Facts About Arthritis

• Arthritis means ‘fire in the joints’, meaning inflammation occurs at the joints.
• There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis. Most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease. It is commonly found in the wear-bearing joints like the knees, hips and the back. Finger knuckles can also be affected. The first signs can start off as an ache and morning stiffness. The joints become inflamed from wear and tear. The cartilage that cushions the joints degenerates and leaves rough joints to rub against each other which causes pain and swelling.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease.

  An autoimmune disease is the result of the body’s protective immune system producing antibodies to attack its own healthy cells and tissues. This is because the system is unable to differentiate between friend or invader and it can affect almost every part of the body including organs. RA can attack any person at any age. Many times there is a red and painful lump around the affected joint.

• Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease associated with arthritis where the eyes and mouth become extremely dry because the salivary glands are affected.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are not the only ones that can bring about joint pain relief (not to mention the safety issues for long-term use), there are safer and natural nutrients like noni, glucosamine sulfate, condroitin, shark cartilage, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), devil’s claw, vitamin E, ginger and tumeric.
• Some people find that tomatoes, peppers, chillies, potatoes and eggplants worsen their arthritis.

Chapter: Arthritis :: 10 May 2007