What is arthritis? This is a common question that many people ask about a disease that can be incapacitating. This is not an ordinary query about a simple health condition, because a lot of people commit mistakes in addressing this health problem.

Arthritis refers to a musculoskeletal problem, which is specifically associated with the joints that become swollen, painful, and stiff. It can occur to anyone at any age, but it is commonly noted among the older age group.

There are many types; in fact, there are a hundred types of it. But the most commonly diagnosed types are rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis usually involves an inflammation of the synovium membrane that surrounds the joint, and it commonly affects women ages 40 and up. Gouty arthritis often affects men at the age of 30 to 50 and it is usually caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals inside the joint cavity. Osteoarthritis is caused by a wear and tear on the cartilage of the weight-bearing joints, and this type is more common among people at the age of fifty and above.

Symptoms vary in each type, but the signature symptoms usually are pain and inflammation. For rheumatoid arthritis, swelling of multiple joints on both sides of the body can also be expected, while for gouty arthritis, a sudden onset of burning pain and inflammation of the big toe and the wrist are the frequent added symptoms. Other symptoms of osteoarthritis may include stiffness on the knees, fingers, hips, and feet

These basic information and facts may answer the question, "what is arthritis?" But there are more truths one should know about this health condition, especially on how it is treated and how it is properly managed when total cure is impossible.

Prevention is a top priority when managing arthritis. It is important that at an early age, one should observe a healthy lifestyle so that this condition will not be triggered by any means, especially by a sedentary lifestyle. Avoidance of a detrimental diet that contains excessive fat and uric acid is very important among men who are prone of developing gouty arthritis. Exercising regularly and managing weight are some of the simple ways to prevent osteoarthritis. Moving every joint and taking supplements that will support hormonal changes are the best ways to prevent rheumatoid arthritis among women.

It is important to consult professional help for more management tips on arthritis. There are manuals and videos that offer tips and relief guides from the pain and swelling that can be suffer from this debilitating health condition. There are also food supplements being sold in the drugstores that can help control the onset of arthritis by chemical reactions from the food that a person eats.

So what is arthritis? This is a simple question that when answered, could change one's life. There is so much to know about this condition, and there is so much to do about it.