Arthritis Symptoms - Recognizing If You Have Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is a disease that affects people's joints, which is the point where two bones are connected. Joints are important for the mobility of two linked bones and arthritis is a disease that paralyzes the functioning of joints. In fact, the literal meaning of arthritis is the inflammation of joints.

There are over a hundred kinds of arthritis and it is important to know the arthritis symptoms that you experience. Recognition of arthritis symptoms is vital for the diagnosis of the exact kind of arthritis that you are suffering from. Early evaluation of arthritis symptoms can prevent greater damage and further discomfort.

The most common arthritis symptoms include inflammation of joints which is characterized by joint stiffness, visible swelling and redness. The area affected is also warm and tender to touch. Pain and inflammation of tendons that surround the affected joint can be present.

Muscle ache is also a common symptom. These manifestations could result in less range of motion, rendering the patient unable to move freely. Loss of mobility hinders a person unable to perform simple daily functions like walking, writing, exercising, using the computer, etc. Even eating becomes an impossible task when arm joints display arthritis symptoms.

These symptoms may appear suddenly or could progress over a period of time. Constant pain, inflammation and stiffness are signs that you should consult a physician, especially if these symptoms have already persisted for more than a week. Early diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have is critical in order to begin the best course of treatment.

Some types of arthritis could be worse than others. The effects of other kinds of arthritis may not be limited to joints. Sometimes, arthritis affects various internal organs in the body, thereby resulting in other forms of symptoms like fever that is accompanied by chills, sudden weight loss, fatigue and swelling of the glands. Organs like the lungs, kidneys and the heart can display symptoms as well. These organs can begin functioning abnormally because of arthritis.

Arthritis can also hit young people. Juvenile arthritis affects some children and it is manifested by the usual symptoms like joint aches, swelling and warmth. Other symptoms include body rashes, particularly in the arms and in the legs, fever and anemia. Poor appetite can also be an indication of arthritis in children.

Arthritis, when it remains untreated, could render a person unable to move freely. Aside from the stopping a person from performing his tasks, arthritis could also result in joint deformity, which could be very aesthetically unpleasing. Arthritis could affect a person's quality of life. It can stop him from doing the things he love and can even force him to stop working. Even the most basic tasks become impossible challenges with this disease.

This disease does not choose its victim. It is not gender-based and contrary to popular assumption, arthritis is not limited to a specific age group. Anybody can suffer from it - men, women and children. Thus, it is important for people to be aware of the symptoms that they are experiencing. Early diagnosis can save you a lifetime of pain.

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Cat Arthritis - Symptoms And Treatments

Cat arthritis is a progressive disease characterized by the inflammation of the joints. It tends to be a chronic condition and its symptoms recur, becoming more severe over time. Cat arthritis usually appears in older or geriatric cats but it can also develop in younger pets. It's not very common, but it can be a very uncomfortable, even debilitating disease among our feline friends.

There are several types of cat arthritis that your pet might develop. These include:

Osteoarthritis

This is the degenerative form of cat arthritis, a chronic condition that results from joint fatigue or wear and tear of the cartilage that protects the surface of the joint. When this happens, bones grind against each other and later becomes damaged from the friction. This usually appears on the shoulders and elbows.

Traumatic Arthritis

This usually results from a sprain or joint injury. Trauma or damaged sustained from accidents, falls, even fights can injure the joint and promote the development of cat arthritis.

Progressive Polyarthritis

This type of cat arthritis affects several joints at once and symptoms tend to worsen as the disease progresses. This results from the erosion of the protective cartilage, exposing the bones.

Another factor that may lead to cat arthritis is a congenital joint problem, something that your cat was born with and will suffer from by virtue of his genes. Obesity may also contribute to the wear and tear of the joints due to excessive weight.

Symptoms of Cat Arthritis

Cats usually exhibit the signs and symptoms of cat arthritis when the disease has already progressed, which makes it difficult for us to detect the condition in its early stages. However, it's good to note any changes in your cat's behavior especially if he or she is advancing in age. Cats with arthritis also show limping or joint stiffness. They will be reluctant to move or play and will often resist touch especially if it involves the affected area. Since the condition is quite painful, cats often show signs of irritability.

Is Prevention of Cat Arthritis Possible?

It's difficult to prevent cat arthritis caused by age or at least to predict whether a cat's breed or size will contribute to the development of this disease. What is important is that the cat is treated when signs appear. Do not try unproven treatments or supplements without first consulting the veterinarian. Prompt diagnosis and proper care are best.

Treatment for Cat Arthritis

It is unclear whether cat arthritis may be prevented but it may be prudent to ensure that your cat is not overweight. Try to keep a balanced diet to ensure that your cat is well-nourished but that he does not gain too much weight. Proper exercise is also key to help cats maintain their weight so make sure your pet has enough opportunities to participate in physical activities.

An early diagnosis of cat arthritis will be an important factor in helping minimize symptoms and prevent further damage. Regular medication may also be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. Some of the most common include painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, which are strictly available through prescription only. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which show promise in helping in the development and repair of cartilage, may also be used.

Certain medications, such as Adequan, may be injected into the affected area in order to bring about relief in severe cases. Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids which are used to reduce inflammation and minimize pain, are used sparingly. The limited use is due to their side effects, especially to cats with liver, kidney or heart disease.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Once your cat has been diagnosed with arthritis, never, under any circumstances, try to treat the condition on your own using common painkillers. Aspirin, for example, may be tolerated in small doses, but cats lack the natural enzyme with which to process aspirin in their bodies and may not be able to excrete the drug efficiently. Other painkillers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may even be fatal to cats.

For severe cases of cat arthritis where joint malformation is already evident, surgery may sometimes be recommended. If the pain is untreatable, some owners may even choose to euthanize their pet in order to prevent further suffering.

Cat arthritis tends to be a life-long condition and it is often best to seek the help of a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment if only to help prolong your cat's life. Try to keep your cat as comfortable as possible and be aware of any symptoms or side effects that treatments may produce. No one else can come to your cat's rescue except for you, so it's best to be fully aware.

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Arthritis - Common Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis

Arthritis is an ailment which involves a number of painful conditions of the joints and the bones. There are a number of different types of this disease. Most types are inflammatory while others are degenerative in nature.

The disease may be preceded or coupled by an episode of fatigue and feeling of weakness. The pains in the joints most of the time starts in the hands, particularly in the knuckles. Most of the time, the pain are felt in both hands simultaneously, as in the case of one of the most typical form called rheumatoid arthritis.

Other usual forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, gout arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis arthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and septic arthritis.

Other forms of arthritis can emerge as a result of an infection. For instance, bacteria causing gonorrhea or Lyme disease can also lead to arthritis. Arthritis that are caused by infection can cause serious injuries, but generally clears up completely with the use of antibiotics.

Scleroderma, a systemic ailment which involves the skin, may incorporate harms with the blood vessels, internal organs as well as the joints. Another disease called fibromyalgia syndrome is soft-tissue rheumatism that does not usually result to the deformation of the joints but affects an estimated number of 5 million Americans which are mostly women. Over 100 various types of arthritis and arthritis related conditions have been reported.

In making a diagnosis, there are a number of common symptoms of arthritis that have to be considered. These common symptoms of arthritis can be found in tandem with different forms of arthritis. A person may likely to have arthritis if they have been experiencing any of these common symptoms of arthritis such as persistent joint pains, unexplainable weight loss or non-specific fever.

Joint deformities, inflammation as indicated by joint swelling, redness, stiffness and/or warmth, loss of range of movement or flexibility in a joint, extreme fatigue and lack of energy are also some of the common symptoms of arthritis.

Due to the fact that there are a lot of existing types of arthritis, there are many tests that are being performed for arthritis and its related diseases. Your medical doctor will be in charge of ordering tests basing on your comprehensive listing of symptoms. Some of the tests and procedures that may help diagnose arthritis include online self-assessments, such as self-assessment for candidiasis and the magnesium deficiency assessment. This self-testing procedure can aid you in determining the root causes of your persistent conditions.

There are also certain saliva tests which can make you check if you have an acid alkaline imbalance. According to recent studies, the reduction on the levels of acidity in the body can have a good effect on improving the common symptoms of arthritis.

Blood tests can also be done. Patients who suffer with arthritis have inflammatory markers found in their blood. These tests may include checking for the presence of positive rheumatoid factor, presence of citrullinated peptide or CCP antibody, checking the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and checking for the levels of C-reactive protein or CRP.

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Learn What Are The Early Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although just about anyone can develop rheumatoid arthritis, some people tend to be more susceptible than others. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are important signals that you should not miss. Helping yourself out quickly can help reduce your suffering and increase your sense of overall wellbeing.

Arthritis is a common affliction of many people. More and more elderly complain of having arthritis pain today. Arthritis pain can be very severe at your joints. Without proper care and treatment, your pain can get worse. You will find that even simple tasks like dressing and bathing yourself becomes difficult to do. The loss of independence can cause you to feel extremely depressed.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive disease. The disease generally worsens as it progresses. If you are aware of any early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you can take steps to prevent it from degenerating and a worsening in your condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce cells that attack its own tissues. This results in inflammation that damages the joints and surrounding muscle. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can show up in some mild form of pain in your joints.

Here are some national figures to help you gauge if you belong to a higher risk category. Approximately 1.5 million of all rheumatoid arthritis patients in the United States are women. This is out of the 2.1 million people in the United States with rheumatoid arthritis. As such, statistics show that women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than the male population.

Also, it appears that older people are more prone to developing rheumatoid arthritis. Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 35 to 50. As you age, therefore, become aware of any early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that you may experience.

This does not mean that the young do not get this disease. There is a variation of the condition that affects young people. It is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages, ranging from teenagers to the elderly.

According to some research studies, Native American populations get afflicted more than other population groups. It is estimated that about five to six per cent of certain Native American populations suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The lowest rates of rheumatoid arthritis appear to occur in individuals of Caribbean backgrounds, mostly those of African descent.

In terms of hereditary factors, studies indicate that roughly two to three per cent of those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis report that someone in their family also suffer from the disease. If you have a family member that has rheumatoid arthritis, be sure to ask him or her about the early symptoms experienced. This will help heightened your awareness based on your own body and condition.

Some people may experience early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis more dramatically than others. For some, the disease may regress or flare up throughout their life. Most people will experience periods where the symptoms of the disease are practically non-existent. Of course, these periods will be tempered by times where the disease flares up due to environmental triggers.

Unfortunately, there appears to be no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The only way to help yourself early on is to learn what are the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. As mentioned, this disease can progressively worsen over time. If you find yourself having early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment steps can be taken quickly.

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Inflammatory Arthritis - Types, Causes and Symptoms

What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

There are many forms of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is any form of arthritis that involves the immune system and inflammation. The characteristic symptoms of inflammation are swelling, heat, redness of skin, pain, and loss of function. There are different types of inflammatory arthritis.

Autoimmune Disorders

The body treats it own tissues as a foreign object and reacts to this foreign object with inflammation


Rheumatoid arthritis - antibodies produced by the body attack the synovial membrane that encloses each joint


Lupus - systematically affects connective tissues and organs


Ankylosing Spondylitis - a progressive form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints


Reiter's Syndrome - a chronic, progressive disease that can affect the joints, tendon attachments, skeleton, and the eye's conjunctiva and mucous membranes


Psoriatic arthritis - causes inflammation of the skin and joints


Inflammatory bowel disease - inflammatory arthritis can be associated with this disease

Other Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by other conditions, as well. Reactive arthritis is caused by certain types of bacteria and can develop from an infection in another part of your body. The deposit of crystalline structures in the joints causes gout and pseudogout. Elevated blood levels of uric acid, which is a waste product, can form in the joints when the kidney does not properly dispose of the waste.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can include the following:

Pain in one or more joints
Swelling in one or more joints
The affected joint is usually warmer than other joints
Stiffness and decrease of ability to move affected joints
Symptoms may appear after a minor illness or emotional stress
Skin around joints may become red and tender

Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can be treated with medicines or natural remedies. However, it is very important to find the cause of the arthritis so that the root problem can be treated as well. Medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation, but there are many natural remedies that have been more successful in treating the cause of the inflammatory arthritis. If you use medications to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, be sure to learn of any side effects or reactions to other medications or food.

Some natural remedies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis include:

Exercise - a regular exercise regimen helps to avoid stiffness of the joints associated with inflammatory arthritis
Water aerobics - endorphins produced in the brain during water aerobics can help ease the pain of inflammatory arthritis

Valerian - this can be used to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis. This natural medication is a known sedative and caution should be used - some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly.
Comfrey - a comfrey salve can be used to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints
Mangosteen - this fruit has been shown to relieve both the inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis

Omega-3 fatty acids - can be found in foods such as cold-water fish, walnut, and flaxseeds.

Diet for Inflammatory Arthritis

Diet is also another way that you can prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis. A healthy diet is important for overall health. There are some foods that can trigger the onset of inflammation in the joints and some foods that decrease the onset of inflammation. If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis, you should eliminate milk and milk products. You should avoid polyunsaturated fats and products that are made with partially hydrogenated oils. The best kind of diet for those who suffer from inflammatory arthritis is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Some of the common foods that can trigger the symptoms of arthritis are milk and dairy products, beef, corn, and wheat. Avoiding these foods can help you to avoid triggering the symptoms. In general, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to avoid many of the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Arthritis Medication at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis.html AyurvedicCure.com is the World?s Largest Alternative Health Portal. Also participate in Health Questions Q&A where you can Ask, Answer and Earn Money! A great opportunity to get help from other people for free!

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Rheumatoid Arthritis - Symptoms and Treatment

Arthritis is a common term for an illness that covers a broad spectrum that comprises more than one hundred illnesses. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common, while rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common. Rheumatoid arthritis, however, is the most severe form of arthritis.

What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis?

How do you know which type of arthritis you have? There are certain symptoms present for different types of arthritis:

Paleness
Appetite loss
Low-grade fever
Range of motion is limited
Numbness or Tingling Sensations
Redness of skin
Inflammation of skin
Hand and foot deformities
Swollen glands
Nodules under the skin - round and painless
Pleurisy - inflammation of the lungs

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can vary - and can include any of the above symptoms or all of the above symptoms. Different symptoms may be apparent at different stages of the disease. Consulting a physician with a list of your known symptoms can help you discover if rheumatoid arthritis is the type of arthritis you have. Active and Inactive Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that can occur in stages. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be active or inactive. When the symptoms are inactive, the patient is in remission - and can have long periods of time with no symptoms present. Signs of a flare-up can include:

Fatigue
Aches in muscles and joints
Stiffness in joints
Low-grade fever can be present
Appetite loss
Joints can become red, swollen, painful, and tender
During a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, your daily routine can become severely limited. Things that you take for granted, like opening doors, opening jars, and sometimes, even walking, become too painful. At times like these, it is important that you understand that it is okay to let others help you. Remission can occur at any time - there is no rhyme or reason. The symptoms can disappear at any time - and they can begin again at any time. Sometimes, the remission may last a few days and others times, it may last a few months. Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

As with any medical illness, you should consult your physician for diagnosis. Once you have shared your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms with your physician, he/she may suggest tests - including blood tests and x-rays of your joints. Your physician uses the results of these tests, along with your symptoms in order to make a diagnosis.

Once a diagnosis has been made, you should discuss your choices with your physician. There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis - but many people have effectively managed to control rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. It is very important to maintain your overall health - physically and mentally - in order to manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. One very important thing to remember is that even if your rheumatoid arthritis is in remission and you have not shown any symptoms for months, it is important to maintain your healthy way of life. You should maintain your exercise routine in order to keep the muscles around your joints strong so that when your joints need to rely a little more on the muscles, the muscles will be able to carry the load.

Before you use medicine to treat your rheumatoid arthritis, you should educate yourself as much as possible. Learn all you can about the possible side effects, how the medication interacts with other drugs and foods, and how the medication will affect your daily life. For some people, controlling rheumatoid arthritis symptoms with medication may be the answer. Others may choose not to take the risks associated with the medications available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

For those who choose not to take that risk, there are many natural treatments that help to control rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. There are many herbal remedies that can be ingested to help ease the symptoms - and many herbal remedies that can be used as massaging oils and liniments to help ease the pain and inflammation of the joints. Many home remedies have been effective for people for years - the key is to find the one that will work for you.

Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms , Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthritis/natural-arthritis-treatment.html. AyurvedicCure.com is the World's Largest Alternative Health Portal. Participate in Health Questions Q&A where you can Ask, Answer and Earn Money! A great opportunity to get help from other people for free!

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Common Symptoms for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Identification and Other Facts

Rheumatoid arthritis is a unique form of arthritis because it is an auto-immune disease that can impact more than just the joints in your body. In essence, your immune system malfunctions and begins to attack the joints, organs and/or other parts of your body. No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis but significant advances have been made with respect to the identification, treatment and control of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Early identification and quick aggressive treatment are your best defense when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Many people today live long, happy and productive lives despite rheumatoid arthritis.

Early Identification of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very serious disease and early detection and treatment is critical. If you begin to experience any of the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, keep track of your symptoms and contact your doctor immediately. It is best to keep a detailed journal of your symptoms that you can discuss with your doctor. There are over 100 types of arthritis and proper diagnosis is needed to determine the proper treatment. Common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:

low fever;
fatigue;
multiple sore or achy joints;
multiple swollen or inflamed joints - rheumatoid arthritis impacts the soft tissue surrounding your joints. The tissue surrounding the joints may be red, swollen and tender when touched;
joint stiffness or reduced mobility - this is typically noticed first thing in the morning and/or after periods of long rest.

Many of the early common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are mistaken for flu symptoms. Even if you suspect that you have the flu, it is still a good idea to track your symptoms and see your doctor. If needed, your doctor will send you to an arthritis specialist called a rheumatologist. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis (or other forms of arthritis), you need a specialist.

In addition to knowing what the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are, you also need to know that there are no hard and fast rules. Here are some facts about "common" rheumatoid arthritis symptoms:

Disease Development -

the disease normally begins slowly however some people may develop rheumatoid arthritis rather suddenly. Rheumatoid arthritis affects every person differently.

Severity and Frequency -

some people experience severe joint inflammation and pain while others have milder symptoms. The frequency of common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can also vary significantly from person to person. You may feel symptoms for several days at a time, then they can stop for weeks or months at a time. It is very rare for people to experience rheumatoid arthritis symptoms continuously. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to come and go for the rest of your life.

Multiple Joints -

rheumatoid arthritis tends to impact at least 3 joints or body parts at a time. It is also common for symptoms to begin on both sides of the body at the same time. This differs from degenerative arthritis, which tends to start in one joint on one side of the body. Degenerative arthritis tends to be more localized.

Joint Inflammation -

it is very important to treat and control joint inflammation because it causes damage to your joints. If you merely treat the pain, the inflammation will continue and will cause additional permanent damage. There are many medications and other treatments available that can reduce inflammation. If your doctor is not treating your inflammation, find another doctor.

Although there are common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis there are also many differences that exist. The above listing is only a partial listing of what you need to know about common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts every person differently. No two people experience the disease in exactly the same way. These differences make it difficult to identify the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The best way to prepare yourself for rheumatoid arthritis is to learn as much as possible. Learn about the risk factors and common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Keep a detailed diary of all your potential symptoms and review them with your doctor. Your diary should include: location, severity, frequency and nature of your symptoms. Be sure to include the date and time and what you were doing when you felt the symptoms. What activities made your symptoms worse, what lessened your symptoms, etc. Keep track of every factor that may be important.

Since there are over 100 different types of arthritis, early detection relies heavily on information supplied by the patient. Rheumatoid arthritis can not always be detected using lab tests during its early stages. As soon as your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, he should send you to a specialist. When your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor should help you to design an effective treatment plan.

Most rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans include medication, alternative therapies, exercise, diet modification, etc. Together these treatments will work to control inflammation, reduce pain, increase mobility and slow or prevent additional damage. Rheumatoid arthritis can be effectively controlled and proper treatment can minimize the risk of disability. New treatment options are developing for rheumatoid arthritis because of on-going medical research. A rheumatologist is the best person to treat your disease and should know the latest and greatest treatment techniques. Early detection and treatment are highly recommended.

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An Overview - Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

There is a misconception that arthritis has been causing trouble for hundreds of years but experts say it is actually a rather modern disease. There is, for example, very little evidence of arthritic damage found in human remains before the year 1700 and even in Egyptian mummified remains.

These days, however, arthritis incidents are on the rise, affecting millions of people around the world. In the United States alone, there are more than 40 million Americans who suffer from some form of arthritis and if no measures are taken to control it, the number of people affected by it may continue to rise.

Who Gets Arthritis?

Arthritis is not a gender-specific disease and it can affect people regardless of their race, location or socio-economic level. Anybody can get arthritis but it often appears in adults and older people. Arthritis affects not just humans but animals as well. Dogs in their older years, for example, have an increased risk of canine rheumatoid arthritis while older cats may develop feline arthritis. When this happens, it is often necessary that animals are placed under veterinary care and symptoms treated with medications and therapy.

Symptoms Of Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis and they are often characterized by swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, white blood cells can develop rapidly in the synovial membrane found in the cartilage of the joints and result in pain and inflammation, making it difficult to move the joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged, which may be replaced by painful bone outgrowths.

Common Types Of Arthritis

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Almost all types of arthritis are noninfectious although there are some which may be spread.

Lyme disease, an inflammatory form that can be transmitted by tick bites, is spread through bacterial infection. If it's untreated, it can lead to inflammation of the joints, specifically the knees. This form, like other infectious arthritis types, can be cured with antibiotics.

Preventing Arthritis

Some forms of arthritis, such as gout and infectious arthritis, can be prevented through diet and care. Gout, for example, is often the result of excessive intake of foods containing uric acid, which result in the deposition of crystals in the joints. These crystals cause the pain and inflammation associated with this form of arthritis.

Diet And Arthritis

Maintaining a good diet is doubly beneficial for arthritis because it helps shed extra pounds and eases the pressure off the joints which helps relieve the pain. Avoiding certain foods, such as high-fat meats and organ meats have also shown some promise in relieving inflammation.

Aside from having a healthy diet, using supplements may also help. Vitamins, minerals and other supplements such as fish oils may be helpful in ensuring that the body is healthy. Antioxidants may also be used to encourage cell repair.

Is There A Cure For Arthritis?

Unless what you have is an infectious form, don't expect for a cure because none has been discovered yet. However, it can be treated and symptoms can be managed. Treatment consists of medications and therapy that will reduce the symptoms of arthritis and allow the patient better joint mobility and relieve pain, regardless of which area of the body is affected.

Most medications are in the form of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Depending on the form of arthritis, drugs that retard the disease's progress may also be prescribed.

Treatment For Arthritis

Drugs are often prescribed to help relieve the symptoms often associated with arthritis, especially if they are severe. Physical therapy might also be used in order to improve mobility of the affected area, especially the knees, ankles, hands, neck and fingers.

Mild, low-impact exercises are preferable to heavy exercises because they are easier on the joints. Exercises such as yoga, tai chi and walking are beneficial. Water exercises are also an excellent option. For arthritis of the hands where the thumb and fingers are affected, special exercises may be performed regularly in order to maintain the hand's ability to flex.

An End To Pain?

Ending pain is often the goal of arthritis treatment. However, it doesn't have to be the only thing you should have in mind when dealing with arthritis. Effective treatment often goes beyond just providing relief when pain occurs. It is often a matter of addressing the problem at its roots and not just performing corrective measures when the problems begin. This is why it's important for patients to know that managing arthritis is not just about stopping pain but also preventing it.

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Dogs and Arthritis - Symptoms and Causes

Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative disease that causes stiffness in the joints and muscles, limiting the dog's mobility. Although it varies in severity, in some cases arthritis in dogs can be extremely painful, just like it can be in people. And arthritis in dogs is a very common condition, afflicting up to one in every three to four dogs. That's why information about dogs and arthritis is so important. Keep reading for some valuable information on the symptoms of arthritis in dogs, as well as what causes it.

Dogs and Arthritis: The Causes

This potentially very painful condition is common in older dogs because over time, wear and tear affects the joints. Younger dogs can also develop arthritis, although less frequently. Unlike the arthritis in older dogs that is often caused by ordinary wear and tear, accidents, injuries and certain infections, diseases and other health conditions like joint malformations (hip dysplasia, for example) are usually responsible for arthritis occurring in younger dogs. Arthritis can also be insidious in the sense that it might not become apparent for several years following an injury.

Although there are several forms of arthritis, the underlying cause of each type is inflammation in a joint. The different types of arthritis are categorized by what originally caused this inflammation.

Degenerative joint disease, frequently called osteoarthritis, is far and away the most common form of arthritis in dogs. Frequently associated with aging (as it is in people), osteoarthritis typically develops over the course of time. Ordinary wear and tear or injury to a joint can damage the joint's ligaments and/or cartilage and reduce the production of the synovial fluid that lubricates and protects the bones. The ultimate result is joint tissue degeneration, stiffness and pain. Cartilage damage and subsequent arthritis can also be caused by excessive weight, jumping too frequently over obstacles, tearing or stretching ligaments during vigorous exercise, and joint malformations such as hip dysplasia or "loose" kneecaps, among other things.

The mechanism underlying the second main type of arthritis, called inflammatory joint disease, is different than the mechanical stress or trauma that's responsible for degenerative joint disease. It is also much less common than osteoarthritis. This form of canine arthritis can be caused by a bacterial infection (staphylococcus or streptococcus, for example), a tick-borne disease such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever or a fungal infection in a joint, but it can also be caused by auto-immune disorders, some of which are hereditary. Rheumatoid arthritis is one example of arthritis caused by an auto-immune disorder, but fortunately it is rare in dogs. Arthritis resulting from an auto-immune disorder usually affects multiple joints.

Inflammatory joint disease is often characterized by systemic symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and a generalized, overall stiffness. Unlike the form of arthritis that degenerative joint disease typically causes, which usually has a slow, gradual onset, the appearance of arthritis symptoms due to inflammatory joint disease is usually sudden and acute.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

The symptoms of arthritis in dogs are in general analogous to those of arthritis in humans, if you take into account the differences in anatomy. They can vary in severity from being barely detectable to being crippling and debilitating. Obviously, dogs cannot tell you they're hurting, and most do not show any visible signs of pain until it becomes significant. These factors can make it difficult to accurately diagnose arthritis unless X-rays, an orthopedic exam and other more specific tests are performed by a qualified vet. You should never assume that your dog has arthritis just because it comes up lame one day or gets up slowly or stiffly after sleeping all night. Although it's true that those symptoms could mean your dog has arthritis, they also might be signs of an entirely different health condition. Always take your dog to your veterinarian for assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Notwithstanding the difficulty of making an accurate diagnosis, dogs suffering from arthritis typically exhibit one or more of the following symptoms of arthritis in dogs:

Slower gait: Dogs afflicted with arthritis often walk slowly in an attempt to balance out their limbs, especially when more than one joint is affected.

Dropped hip or nodding head: When only one hip is affected, the dog will often "drop" that hip so that it is carried physically lower than the other. A dog with an arthritic neck will often exhibit a nodding motion of the head.

Limping: A dog with an arthritic joint in a leg will naturally tend to favor that leg.

Reluctance to engage in normal activities: Dogs with arthritis tend to be reluctant to perform what were previously normal activities, such as climbing up or down stairs, running, jumping up on furniture, playing with balls or other toys, and going on walks. When they do go on walks, they often lag behind because they prefer to walk slowly.

Slowness or difficulty in rising from resting positions: Getting up slowly or stiffly after lying down is one of the fairly common symptoms of arthritis in dogs.

Personality changes: Some dogs with arthritis undergo changes in their personality. Becoming lethargic, depressed, nervous or overly aggressive are examples of the changes in temperament that can occur in dogs afflicted by arthritis. And, a previously very affectionate dog that loved physical attention from its owner may start resisting being touched.

Audible signals of distress: A dog that's in significant pain may yelp, whimper or cry when it's touched or it moves in a certain way.

Watching a dog that's suffering from arthritis pain can be heart-wrenching. Although arthritis is not a health condition that can ever be completely cured, there are a number of things you can do to help your dog suffer less from painful arthritis symptoms. We hope this information on dogs and arthritis will help both you and your dog.

It is such a pain for a dog owner to see his four-legged best friend suffering from Arthritis

It really is heartbreaking however we all know that there is a good chance that one day or another our dog will experience this kind of disorder.

Many dog owners are not aware of all the different ailments that a dog can encounter in his life-span, and most important, the different causes and symptoms that could be very helpful to diagnose these conditions before they become major ones.

I created AboutDogsandpets.com to help dog owners to learn what are these different symptoms, so you will be much more reactive when such disorders occur, and then get the peace of mind that comes from being prepared!

AboutDogsandPets.com is the all-in-one solution for all your dog health and dog training concerns.

I would be very surprised if you do not find an answer at AboutDogsandPets.com.

Wish you the best with your furry friend.

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