Arthritis is a painful condition that affects millions of people around the world. The cartilage in one, or many joints, starts to erode which causes pain, swelling and stiffness. Although arthritis most commonly affects the joints in your hands, neck, low back, hips and knees, it can damage and cause pain to any joint in your body.

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint's cartilage. Enough damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for arthritis include:

• Family history. Some types of arthritis run in families, so you may be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disorder. Your genes can make you more susceptible to environmental factors that may trigger arthritis.

• Age. The risk of many types of arthritis — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout — increases with age.

• Your sex. Women are more likely than are men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while most of the people who have gout, another type of arthritis, are men.

• Previous joint injury. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.

• Obesity. Carrying excess pounds puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine. Obese people have a higher risk of developing arthritis.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS LIKE MILLIONS OF OTHER SUFFERERS?

• PAIN – in your joints and the surrounding muscles?

• STIFFNESS – when you wake up in the morning or after resting?

• TENDERNESS – simply when you apply a little bit of pressure to the affected joint?

Have you been suffering from it for months or even years? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to manage your Arthritis pain? We’re glad you found us. You have options when it comes to treating your Arthritis pain and we’re confident we may have just what you need.