There are two types of arthritis; they are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The first is primarily due to joint wear and tear, whereas the second type is an inflammation disease. There's a third type, juvenile arthritis, but it's actually a name for joint inflammation occurring in children under the age of 16 years old, and is a rheumatic disease.
The arthritis classifications were designed to separate the types of arthritis based on what causes arthritis. Osteoarthritisis by far the most common form of the disease. At some point most people will experience arthritis in at least one joint. Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage breaks down in the joint leaving bone rubbing bone since there's no cushion.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The joint lining, called the synovium, becomes inflamed as the body attacks itself. Over a period of time, if left untreated, there can be significant bone deformation.
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A Snapshot of Arthritis...
How many times do you hear people mention that they're stiff, or losing joint flexibility? Probably quite often, if the person is over 65 years old. But according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), up to two-thirds of arthritis sufferers are under the age of 65 years old. Arthritis affects more women than men.
Another interesting fact about Arthritis is that there are over 100 different conditions and diseases classified as arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common, as mentioned, but no two people experience the exact same Symptoms.
Other common conditions people may not realize are forms of arthritis include the following:
The number of people who have sought a doctor's help in the United States totals 46 million. That is the equivalent of one out of five adults. The CDC reports that one out of every 250 children has an arthritic condition.
The population in the US is aging too, so there's going to be millions more people trying to lead productive lives as pain free as possible.
It's No Joke Living with Arthritis
There are plenty of jokes made about funny situations occurring due to lack of joint flexibility. But anyone, with any of the types of arthritis will tell you, that it's no joke! Arthritis can be debilitating to different degrees. Arthritis in the back, shoulders, fingers, feet and other places can cause full disability, in its worst state. Yet even in its mildest form, joints can be stiff and painful, making it difficult to do some of the simplest daily activities like opening a jar.
Complicating the matter is the fact that people who reduce their exercise and other physical activity because their joints are painful, stiff or inflamed can develop other chronic conditions including obesity and heart disease. The body is designed to move, and like any machinery left standing for long periods, will cease to function properly.
Understanding the two types of arthritis, especially their early symptoms, is the first step towards controlling and living with the disease. There are a number of arthritis treatments available today, thanks to extensive medical research. There's so much that has been learned about arthritis that many people can begin self-management programs, starting with their diet and food, and discover they're able to improve the quality of their life.
The Best 3 Types Of Exercises For Arthritis
What types of exercise are most suitable for someone with arthritis?
Range-of-motion exercise (e.g. dance) helps maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or even increase flexibility.
Strengthening exercises (e.g. weight training) help keep or increase your muscle strength. Strong muscles will help to support and protect joints affected by arthritis.
Aerobic or endurance exercise (e.g. bicycle riding) improve your cardiovascular fitness, help to control weight, and improve overall function.
Weight control needs to be important to people who any of the types of arthritis, because the extra weight, will put even more extra pressure on many of your joints. Some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints.
Most health clubs and community centers now offer exercise programs for people with physical limitations.
