Learn About Medical Conditions

Although the clinical term literally means joint inflammation, “arthritis” actually refers to a group of more than 100 conditions that cause painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints.

One type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is often related to aging or to an injury. The bones of our joints are separated by spongy tissue that act as a cushion. Osteoarthritis occurs when this soft tissue in a joint (hip, knee, wrist, finger—any part of our skeleton that bends) deteriorates.

Other types occur when your immune system, which normally protects your body from infection, attacks your body’s own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of this kind of arthritis.

What treatments are available?

Arthritis experts say there’s value in physical activity, the right diet, and other non-medicinal interventions that can help prevent arthritis, reduce pain, and keep people moving.

Similarly, pain and disability accompanying all types of arthritis can be minimized through appropriate management, physical and occupational therapy, weight management, and physical activity. IPMR offers a variety of beneficial exercise programs.

When pain is bad enough to limit your activities, over-the-counter prescription medications may be recommended to reduce inflamation and pain. Injections may be effective for some people. When conservative treatment is no longer able to control symptoms, surgery to replace the affected joint may be necessary.

Arthritis research is making significant strides, but there is also a great deal of quackery. You should beware of scams and over-stated promises.

See also: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Pain