What is arthritis? : Any joint has two or more bones articulating with one another. The ends of the bones have a smooth covering called the articular cartilage. The joint also produces a thick viscous fluid called synovial fluid, which helps in smooth and painless movement. Any damage to the cartilage or the quality of the synovial fluid can lead to increased friction and stiffness of the joint. Extensive loss leads to one bone rubbing against another causing severe pain and cracking noises on movement. Advanced stages confine a person to the house and can be psychologically devastating. This is especially so in elderly people.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common disorders affecting those above 40.It affects more women than men.

Risk factors

obesity
heredity
knee injury
occupational loading

Symptoms

pain - persistent or attacks of acute stabbing sensation.
restricted movement
impaired function
total disability in severe cases.
pain not only during movement, but also while resting.
aching in and around knee
morning stiffness
stiffness associated with pain.

Inflammatory Arthritis: The other is inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common example and can affect younger people also. Inflammatory arthritis may also be associated with serious cardiovascular, gastro intestinal and eye disorders.

Symptoms : In mild case:-

Pain may be felt at the end of the day or during strenuous activities.

In severe case:-

the walking distance gradually decreases
it may be associated with swelling and warmth over the joint even during moderate activities

In advanced cases:-

walking without support impossible
pain may be present even during rest

Recommendations: Early diagnosis and treatment is important - Consult about your lifestyle and diet - Reduce weight - Specific exercises for mild to moderate cases - Knee sleeves, shock absorbing heel insoles, canes and hot/cold foam application can also ease the pain - avoid using stairs often if pain persists - Medication can also produce partial relief. Local application of gel or cream, oral painkillers, cortico-steroid injection can be used under a doctor's supervision. However long term use may result in side effects such as acidity, gastritis and even kidney failure. The surgical option is the last resort.

Simple steps to cope with arthritis: A diagnosis of arthritis is enough to stop most people in their tracks. But it is not as if there is nothing you can do about it. Here are some simplesteps that can help improve your health and pain level and make life with arthritis easier.

see your doctor is you have been suffering from pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint. Don't make a self-diagnosis, only your doctor can diagnose arthritis.

once doctor confirms arthritis, ask for a specific diagnosis. There are many types each with its own treatment.

get an accurate diagnosis, get it early. Earlier treatment means less damage and less pain.

treatment may include medication, weight management, exercise, use of heart or cold methods to protect the joints from more damage, among others

write down whatever you want to know about your condition or medication. Take them to your doctor and ask for answers.

avoid strain on joints. Try to keep close to the recommended weight since this helps keep damaging

pressures off the hips and knees.

work out , exercise lessens pain, increases movement, reduces fatigue and helps overall well being. There are many strengthening exercises that are good for arthritis. Check with your doctor or a fitness expert.

lose weight. Excess weight contributes to and aggravates osteoarthritis. Do stretching exercises.

water exercises help build strength and increase motion and also reduce wear and tear on the joints. walking is the best exercise for most people with arthritis. It burns calories, strengthen muscles and builds denser bones without jarring fragile joints. Join classes that make exercise fun. Walk with people to keep you company.

Recent research shows that vitamin c and other antioxidants play an important role in reducing risk of osteo-arthritis and its progression. Also orange and citrus fruits are good sources of folic acid, which helps reduce the side effects of methotrexate ( used to treat arthritis ) and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who have lupus.

Last few years have seen many new drugs. Check with your doctor about these new options.

daily intake of sufficient calcium is must. This can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Remember that osteoporosis is the third largest disease affecting mankind, next only to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

if not plain milk, try yoghurt, cheese and ice cream. Add powdered milk to puddings, gravies shakes and other recipes. Other good sources of calcium include broccoli, salmon (with the Bones) and kale.

don't miss your medicines. Take the drugs your doctor prescribes. If you want to stop because it's not working or because of side effects, talk to your doctor. It takes a while to realize full benefit. And some side effects reduce in time. Stopping a medication suddenly is very dangerous.

a good breakfast is a healthy way to start the day. A good way to begin would be fruit, oatmeal and a glass of water. avoid caffeine as much as possible.

throw away those fashionable slippers that cramp your toes and chafe your heels. a well fitting , padded shoe with lots of toe room helps your feet feel good.

a warm bath at bed time can relax muscles and aching joints. and you will get a good night's sleep.

tell your doctor about any regular medications that you take , even to nutritional supplements.

stop smoking . it increases risk of complications from lupus rheumatoid attributes , can predispose you to osteoporosis and will prolong recovery in case of surgery.

I have cured my

arthritis. you too can!

The disease osteoporosis, frequently confused with arthritis, makes bones weak and fragile. This lead to frequent fractures, especially of the vertebra, wrists and hip bones. Post menopausal women, weak individual, smokers, alcoholics and those on steroids and certain other drugs are the groups at highest risk of becoming osteoporotic. Many are suffering from this 'silent disease'. In women, the cessation in production oestrogen is cited as an important reason. Enough calcium intake along with exercise is the ideal way of ensuring prevention.