Arthritis

Arthritis is a gradual breakdown or deterioration of the joint spaces in your musculoskeletal system.

There are many causes of arthritis. The aging process, an injury, a suppressed or weakened immune system are some causes of arthritis. Often it is simply hereditary.

The body responds to the onset of arthritis by making extra bone. Your body makes this material in an attempt to shore up the degenerating joint. This additional material, or overgrowth, is called a bone spur or osteophyte. Bone spurs are typically found in the joint or disc spaces, where cartilage has begun to break down or deteriorate. Bone spurs sometimes block the spaces where nerve roots leave the spinal canal.

There are many symptoms of arthritis, including:

• Burning
• Cramping
• Inflammation
• Joint pain
• Loss of muscle control
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness
• Pain
• Stabbing pain in the extremities

Major types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The degenerative form of arthritis that mostly affects the elderly is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to break down and away from the joints. Stripped of their protective material, the joints begin rubbing against each other, causing pain and impeding movement. This action further irritates the surrounding nerves. Advanced forms of spinal osteoarthritis lead to disc collapse and other problems.

An equally painful and destructive form of arthritis is called rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joint tissues, leading to pain, weakness, low red blood cell count (anemia), and loss of appetite.

Physical therapy has been shown to help people with arthritis.

Physical therapy can be used to reduce pain, restore mobility, function, strength, and flexibility, and prevent unnecessary disability. Common exercises may include wall walking (which targets the shoulder joints) and the chair rise (which strengthens your legs and makes standing and sitting safer). Good examples of appropriate activities for those living with arthritis include aquatic exercises such as swimming, walking, bicycling, golf, and cross-country skiing.