Half of all people age 65 and older have arthritis.
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and many different symptoms
and treatments. Doctors still do not know what causes most forms of arthritis. Some
forms are better understood than others.
But what exactly is arthritis??? How does it cause so much pain???
Arthritis causes pain and loss of movement. It can affect joints in any
part of the body. Arthritis is usually chronic, meaning it can occur over
a long period of time. The more serious forms can cause swelling, warmth,
redness, and pain. The three most common kinds of arthritis in older people
are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Now a question comes to mind. How do I know i have arthritis? I have turned 40 and played sports and lifted weights and now my fingers have begun to hurt...Do I have arthritis?
Here is what doctors at the arthritis foundation had to say:
Swelling in one or more joint(s)
Morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or longer
Joint pain or tenderness that is constant or that comes and goes
Not being able to move a joint in the normal way
Redness or warmth in a joint
Weight loss, fever, or weakness and joint pain that can’t be explained