Biomagnetism : Living Beyond Arthritis
Arthritis Facts
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints that can cause pain, making it difficult to move or stay active. There are many forms of arthritis which range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis (OA)) to those connected with inflammation due to an overactive immune system (like rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). These many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States. More than half of those who have arthritis are under 65 years of age. The majority of Americans with arthritis are women.
Causes Of Arthritis
- Wear And Tear
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints that can cause pain, making it difficult to move or stay active. There are many forms of arthritis which range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis (OA)) to those connected with inflammation due to an overactive immune system (like rheumatoid arthritis (RA)). These many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States. More than half of those who have arthritis are under 65 years of age. The majority of Americans with arthritis are women.
Inflammatory
Rheumatoid Arthritis happens when the immune system starts to attack the membrane that surrounds the joints. Inflammation or swelling, deterioration of cartilage and bone occur rapidly, followed by chronic pain.
Infection
Sometimes, traumatic injury or an infection in the joints can advance the progression of arthritis. For example, reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that can follow some infections.
Metabolic
When the body breaks down purines, a substance found in cells and foods, it forms uric acid. Some people have high levels of uric acid. When the body can’t get rid of it, the acid accumulates and forms needle-like crystals in the joints. This causes immoderate and sudden joint pain, or a gout attack. Gout happens repeatedly, but if left untreated it can become chronic.
