Arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition in which joints of the body become inflamed and usually painful. Over 100 different types of arthritis exist, each with unique symptoms and causes. Generally speaking most arthritis conditions present as joint swelling and stiffness, sometimes with redness and/or warmth at the joint site.http://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/article.htm

If doctors are concerned that a patient may have arthritis, he or she may run a number of tests to confirm an arthritis diagnosis. This will likely involve ordering a panel of blood tests and some x-rays. If a doctor finds that there are rheumatoid factors (RF) in the blood, then this may point to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays could reveal if there is any joint damage or wear, or if any bone spurs are present. If a doctor finds that cartilage has been worn away, then this could suggest a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.http://arthritis.webmd.com/understanding-arthritis-treatment Of course the tests may also point to one of dozens of other types of arthritis, or completely different ailments altogether.

There are many different forms of treatment for arthritis, including joint therapy and protection, exercise, surgery, prescription medications, and more. In most cases, an anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) will be suggested.http://arthritis.webmd.com/understanding-arthritis-treatment In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, which is classified as a chronic condition, there is no cure and doctors are regularly exploring new treatment options to aid discomfort.

Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men are. Most people who have the condition first started to notice symptoms when they were between 40 and 60 years old.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020