Osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis plague their victims with pain, stiffness, and sometimes deformities. People suffering
from
osteoarthritis may experience a grinding sensation in their joints. Osteoporosis and obesity can contribute to the disease. Weather conditions affect the severity of pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage breaks down causing bone to rub against bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by some of the same symptoms as osteoarthritis, such as joint pain, swelling and stiffness. RA sufferers may also experience fatigue, fever, and decreasing appetite. RA usually affects the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. It is caused by the immune system attacking itself. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the body’s organs. In time, it can be crippling. Although there is no cure, there is treatment available. Your doctor may prescribe an exercise program to keep joints mobile. If you are overweight, losing weight may help reduce symptoms. Heat and cold therapy may be used to alleviate symptoms. Medications can be prescribed as well. Living with arthritis may not be easy, but it can be manageable if you follow your doctor's advice and treatment. To find out more about dealing with arthritis, visit the website at the end of this article.