Literally speaking 'arthritis' in Latin is 'itis' of the 'arthros' meaning 'inflammation' of the 'joint'.
What happens in Arthritis?
I. Loss of Normal Articular Cartilage :
Pain,
Swelling in and around the joint.
Decreased movement associated with crunching sound.
Restricted function i.e. decrease in the ability to walk
Deformity, i.e. bow legs with knee joint osteoarthritis.
Emotional disturbance.
What are the causes of Arthritis ?
The most common cause of arthritis is wear & tear of the joint due to ageing (Osteo-arthritis). The other causes are Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, RE Post traumatic, Psoriasis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and infection.
How is Arthritis treated ?
A complete cure of the disease process is unfortunately not yet known. However, as pain is the hallmark of arthritis, treatment is directed toward alleviating pain and improving the overall quality of life. Fortunately, we now have many ways to relieve the pain and preserve the function.
