Arthritis is basically inflammation of the joints in the body. This health condition describes a compilation of over 100 different types of arthritis conditions. It is not simply just one disease.

Known as rheumatic diseases, arthritis and its cousin diseases can invade the body and destroy your health. It can rob you of your mobility and your ability to enjoy basic daily activities.

When arthritis moves into your body like the raggedy thief it is, it immediately begins to cause destruction to the joints and surrounding structures. The tendons and muscles can become rather painful due to the inflammation of the arthritis.

The various types of arthritis develop from different root causes but in general arthritis attacks the connective tissues, the joints and the muscles. Many types of arthritis are chronic diseases with periods of quiet and calm as well as periods of extreme exacerbation. It is the quiet and then the rage of exacerbation that exhaust so many of those who suffer with arthritis of all varieties. It seems things are going well and then a trend downhill, often followed by another period of quiet remission.

It is also important to remember that if you have been diagnosed with arthritis that it is unnecessary to live in constant pain because of the disease. Yes, during periods of exacerbation arthritis will require more of your focus and even more active management in hopes of quieting the storm and giving you some relief.

If you have arthritis, make different choices. Do not settle for a limited life. Look for things that you can do to adapt your activities so that they still suit the new you and the arthritis condition tagging along.

If you are battling arthritis, there are so many resources available to assist you. One of the best is the Arthritis Foundation which can offer you superior educational materials and even a variety of educational classes and support groups to help you with lifestyle management.

Yes, there is not currently a known cure for arthritis, but there are definitely better treatment options available on today's market. Researchers continue to search for the precise reason why arthritis develops in the first place as well as continuing to search for even more improved treatment options for those currently battling the disease.

While it may seem that arthritis is a dirty rotten scoundrel invading your life and taking control, the fact is that with today's medical advances and your decision to actively manage your life and condition will give you a leg up on taking back control of your life.

So make a decision today to get more involved in your treatment plan. Show arthritis who is in charge!