Have you ever wondered if you had a certain disease? Today’s Information Age, a mountain load of information about any subject can be informative, yet frightening. From an Internet site, newspaper article, television show or even a movie, we can learn about one of a myriad of diseases that inflict humans. As the expression “ignorance breeds fear” reveals, becoming educated about a certain disease can allow us to better understand the dynamics of the illness. However, this knowledge can also cause us to become more introspective, and ask ourselves the question, “Do I have it?” In particular, we can experience this phenomenon when we learn what is arthritis.

At The Crossroads Of Our Joints

When we hear the word “arthritis,” the image of elderly people with joint problems probably pops into our head. However, in more scientific terms, what is arthritis? Most varieties of arthritis create aches and enlargement of your joints. Joints are simply locations where two different bones meet. Examples include your knee or elbow. Within time, a swollen joint can turn into extremely impaired. Particular forms of arthritis can even cause difficulties involving your organs including your heart or eyes. Among the various types of arthritis, some exclusively affect children, or are related to one’s immune system or aging.

After learning what is arthritis, you should determine if you have it yourself. In this process, pain can be your friend. Without feeling pain, we would not have warning signs that we have particular illnesses or diseases. In the case of arthritis, if you are experiencing constant swelling, heat, weight loss, pain, breathing difficulty, or redness, you may have arthritis. Nonetheless, experiencing arthritis’ pain and discomfort does not imply that no relief exists.

Joints And Bones And Organs, Oh My!

If you indeed have arthritis, you could have either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis--two of the most common forms of the disease. Osteoarthritis typically is a result of aging, and oftentimes affects one’s knees, hips and fingers. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body’s defence system malfunctions. This affects bones, joints, and even internal organs. Rheumatoid arthritis could cause you to feel exhausted or sick, and can create a fever.

After learning what is arthritis, if you suspect that you may have the disease, visit a doctor immediately! Only a doctor is qualified to determine if you have arthritis, and how it should be treated. You should inform the doctor about what type of pain you are experiencing. Through blood tests and x-rays, the doctor can determine which kind of arthritis you are suffering from, if indeed you do.

Treat Me Right

If the doctor can verify that you indeed have arthritis, he will then discuss the optimum treatment available. The physician may prescribe medication that can treat stiffness, soreness and aches.

If you still suffer from pain after taking arthritis medicine, you can also rest the swollen joint, engage in some light stretching exercises, take a shower with warm water, or place an ice pack on the swollen area. If those treatments along with the medication do not supply ample relief, contact your doctor. At that juncture, you may want to consider surgery. Your physician can explain what is arthritis surgery.

After we learn what is arthritis, we should determine if personally we are suffering from the disease. Then, if necessary, we can take appropriate steps to put ourselves on the road to relief and happiness.