What is arthritis?*

Arthritis, which means "inflammation of the joints," is actually a symptom that has a number of causes. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by local structural changes in specific joints, while rheumatoid arthritis, the next most common type, is a systemic disease affecting the entire body. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage (the rubbery substance that cushions the joints between the bones) begins to break down and leaves the joint area unprotected. This may lead to a thickening of the bone ends and a build-up of what are called spurs. It is the rubbing together of these unprotected spurs that produces the pain associated with arthritis.

Arthritis can occur in people of all ages. The breakdown of cartilage can be from any number of reasons, including injury, heredity or disease. There is a popular but untrue belief that arthritis is a disease of aging, a sign of the body's degeneration. But in fact, people of all ages are affected by arthritis.

In some people, the initial breakdown of cartilage causes no pain whatsoever, while in others it causes a deep aching and a soreness or stiffness that is particularly noticeable when they move. Also, tenderness after a long period of immobility, such as first thing in the morning or after sitting through a long movie, could be a symptom of arthritis. Some other signs and symptoms are:

• Inability to move a joint normally
• Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
• Swelling in one or more joints
• Redness or warmth in a joint

If you believe you recognize or experience any of these signs in yourself, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can limit the damage and control the symptoms.

The knees, fingers, hips and spine are the most used joints in the body, and are therefore the most common areas affected by arthritis.

There is no cure, but a combination of exercise, minor lifestyle changes, proper diet and medication goes far to manage the pain and symptoms of arthritis.

Exercise will help strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint, and thus help to support and stabilize the area. Exercise will also promote flexibility and prevent stiffness. Both physical therapy and recreational exercise can help but, as with any physical program, they should be discussed with your doctor first. Lifestyle changes, such as staying off your feet periodically during the day or picking up objects with both hands instead of one, can be easy to adapt to and provide much relief to arthritic joints. A proper diet can mean taking some unnecessary weight off your joints. It will also contribute to your overall health and state of mind. Medications, such as an over-the-counter pain reliever like AdvilŪ, can serve to temporarily relieve minor pains associated with arthritis. Ice packs and heating pads may also provide some relief. Your doctor will be able to prescribe prescription medication for chronic, severe pain.

If you suspect arthritis, see your doctor right away. A general practitioner, family practitioner or internist can diagnose the condition and help treat the symptoms. If your case is severe, your physician may refer you to a rheumatologist.

Know your body and its limits, and then take care to not overdo it. Find creative ways to adapt to your environment, at home or at work, such as by:

• pushing yourself out of a chair with both hands when getting up
• getting out of a chair every half-hour or so during a meeting or while watching a movie
• using a pencil to dial a phone instead of your finger
• spreading the weight of any object that you are lifting or pushing over as many joints as possible
• keeping a positive outlook

Arthritis doesn't mean you can't do the things you want to do; it just means you might have to find a different way of doing them.