Signs Of Arthritis

Have you ever wondered if you really have arthritis, or is it just pain because of over doing it in the yard or the gym.Well here are some signs and symptoms to help you better understand arthritis.
Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two bones meet. A joint functions to allow movement of the body parts it connects. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain.Arthritis can affect any joint. Certain types of arthritis are associated with a specific pattern of joint disease. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is usually symmetric -- affecting the same joint on both sides of the body. Other types of arthritis typically affect a single joint. It's important to tell the doctor about all of your symptoms and every joint that hurts.Doctors play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. Good communication between a doctor and patient is essential. It's important to know what to expect from your doctor and what your doctor expects from you. It's your doctor's job to assess your symptoms, gain more information from your medical history and a current physical examination, order diagnostic tests, and put together a treatment plan. It's your job to provide your doctor with as much pertinent information as possible. The goal is mutual - to improve your health.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, sometimes referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis affects more than 20 million people in the United States. The primary form of osteoarthritis is usually related to aging, but osteoarthritis can also result from injury (athletes) or obesity.
Unfortunately there is no cure for arthritis. There are various treatment options that can help with managing pain and reducing deformity and disability. Early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment plan are recognized as two very important factors in getting arthritis under control.