What is Arthritis?

Aches and Pains

Arthritis is a term that describes not just one disease but more than 100 different conditions. Arthritis - a combination of the Greek words arth (joint) and itis (inflammation) - means joint inflammation. When a person has arthritis, joints and surrounding tissues, such as muscles or tendons, often become inflamed. Inflammation is the body's reaction to illness or injury, which can cause pain, swelling, redness or heat in certain areas, such as a joint.

Arthritis and related diseases are also are also known as rheumatic diseases. This term describes diseases of the joints, muscles and connective tissues, each having different causes. There are some very serious forms of arthritis that are called autoimmune diseases. In these diseases, the body's immune system malfunctions. The immune system is a term that refers to the body's network of defenses against such disease-causing agents as viruses or bacteria. In forms of arthritis that are autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the body's disease-fighting components mistakenly turn against the body itself, causing damage to joints, cartilage, skin, and other organs.

Most forms of arthritis are chronic diseases, which means they will be with you for the rest of your life. The do not go away and cannot, at this time, be 'cured' by a drug or treatment. Chronic diseases differ from acute diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu, which are resolved on their own or are cured by drugs.

Just because arthritis is chronic doesn't mean that a person with the disease constantly experiences such symptoms as pain or inflammation. Arthritis symptoms have periods of flare, when symptoms are active, and remission, when symptoms subside.

Suggested non-prescribed arthritis treatment.