Arthritis 

Joint inflammation

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing). The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Some other forms of arthritis include Gout, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus & Septic Arthritis etc. Together, the many types of arthritis make up the most common chronic illnesses.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Arthritis is the result of abnormal mechanical, inflammatory, metabolic, physiological or pathological factors. Usually, it involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when you walk. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
You may have joint inflammation for a variety of reasons, including:

• An autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself because the immune system believes a body part is foreign)
• If the bone is broken
• General "wear and tear" on joints
• Infection (usually caused by bacteria or viruses)

Often, the inflammation goes away after the injury has healed, the disease is treated, or the infection has been cleared. However, with some injuries and diseases, the inflammation does not go away or destruction results in long-term pain and deformity. When this happens, you have chronic arthritis.


Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is more likely to occur as you age. You may feel it in any of your joints, but most commonly in your hips, knees or fingers. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include:

• Being overweight
• Previously injuring the affected joint
• Using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on the joint (baseball players, ballet dancers, and construction workers are all at risk)

Arthritis can occur in men and women of all ages. About 37 million people in America have arthritis of some kind, which is almost 1 out of every 7 people.

Primary Osteoarthritis: In the broadest sense of the term, primary osteoarthritis is an idiopathic phenomenon, occurring in previously intact joints, with no apparent initiating factor. Primary osteoarthritis is related to the aging process and typically occurs in older individuals. This occurs particularily in post-menopausal women & may be regarded as hereditable form of disease. Some clinicians limit primary osteoarthritis to the joints of the hands (specifically the distal interphalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and carpometacarpal joints at the base of the thumb) whereas others include the knees, hips, cervical & lumber spine & great toes as potential sites of involvement. During acute onset, joints look inflammed, red & tender. Osteophyte formation & deformity can also develop.

Secondary osteoarthritis. This type of osteoarthritis has a specific cause, such as an injury, an effect of obesity, genetics, inactivity, or other diseases. Here are the risk factors that can lead to secondary osteoarthritis:

• An injury: If you fracture a bone playing sports or in a car accident, you’re more likely to later develop osteoarthritis in that joint, and you’re more likely to experience osteoarthritis at a younger age than those who have primary osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: “Obesity is a big factor,” Dr. Jyoti says. Extra weight that bears down on the joints day in and day out can cause the joint to wear away faster. According to the Arthritis Foundation, every extra pound you gain adds three pounds of pressure to your knees and six pounds of pressure to your hips.
• Inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle leads to weight gain, which can lead to osteoarthritis, Dr. Jyoti says. Also, if you’re inactive, you have weaker muscles and tendons that surround the joint. Strong muscles help keep joints properly aligned and stable. Low-impact activities such as walking and swimming are important for keeping those muscles and tendons strong, she says.
• Genetics. You may carry genes that put you at risk for osteoarthritis. In particular, experts have found that arthritis of the hands tends to have a genetic link among women. Osteoarthritis in the knee and hip also seems to run in families. If your mother had it and your aunt had it, you’ll probably have it starting at about the same age.
• Inflammation from other diseases. Diseases that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk of getting osteoarthritis later in life. 
• Metabolic. Gout & haemochromatosis are the most comon type of arthritis that is caused by the metabolic disorders. Gout is a group of disorders of purine metabolism which causes an excess of serum uric acid. Deposition of urate occurs in articular or extra-articular tissues. This excess of uric acid can be caused by over-production or under-excretion by the body. The solidified uric acid accumulates near certain tissues and joint muscles. In Haemochromatosis, the amount of iron in the body is much higher than usual. The iron builds up over time in various organs such as the liver, heart and brain.
• Developmental. These include hip dysplasia, slipped upper femoral epiphysis, unequal leg length etc. which is caused due to abnormal development with growing age.

In all these secondary cases, either the stress on joint becomes abnormal, or the ability of joint to withstand normal stress in altered.


Pathology

As Osteoarthritis (OA) progresses, structures in the joint degenerate. First, the articular cartilage breaks down, exposing the subchondral bone, which then becomes damaged. Eventually there is formation of new bone at margins of joints called osteophytes.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.
Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling (swollen lymph nodes), weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.

Treatments

The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present. An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips and surgical opearations. Anti-inflammatory & immune-altering medications are frequently used but only to reduce pain for short term. Side-effects from these drugs are frequently encountered and their use shall be kept to minimum.


GENERAL ADVICE

1. Do not give any stress to affected joint

2. Avoid Obesity. Some of the Natural Weight Loss Treatments can be used to have a full control on obesity.

3. Adopt active life style & do regular exercises to maintain the normal rangeof joints & reduce stiffness.

4. Use low frequency vibratory massage for its analgesic & circulatory effects.

5. Heated Jade Stone Mat can be used to relieve discomfort by reducing the protective muscle spasm.


6. FIR Sauna bath can be used to improve quality of movement. It also prevent further strain or damage to affected joint due to the resting in correct position during the treatment.

7. Don't do squatting.

8. Jade acupressure can relieve the tender points of the body.