What is Arthritis

  Many people begin to feel pain and stiffness in their bodies for long periods of time. Sometimes their hands, knees or hips get sore and they have trouble moving them. They may have arthritis.  Arthritis is a condition that can cause pain and swelling in your joints. A joint is the place where two bones join, such as your elbow or knee. Some arthritis can cause damage to other organs, such as the eyes and lungs. It can also affect the skin.  These damages may be caused by inflammation, which is swelling, and redness or pain. These phenomena tell you that something is not right. Some people may worry that having arthritis means that they can no longer work or take care of their children and family. Others believe that a person must have a disease like arthritis.  It is true that having arthritis can be painful. But there are things you can do to make yourself feel better.  There are several types of arthritis, and two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.  Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. People who are generally older are prone to this disease, and the most common damage is in the fingers, knees and hips. Sometimes osteoarthritis can occur after a joint injury
. For example, a young man suffered a severe knee injury while playing rugby. Then, the knee heals. After a few years, he may develop arthritis in that joint.  Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s own defense system does not work well. The disease affects the joints, bones and organs – commonly the hands and feet. You may feel tired and uncomfortable, and you may have a fever.  Other conditions that can cause arthritis are: Gout, which causes crystals to form in the joints. It mainly affects the big toe.  Lupus, when you have this disease, the body’s defense system can damage the joints, heart, skin, kidneys and other organs.