Possible Causes of Arthritis / Joint Pain / Stiffness
There are three common types of arthritis, each with its own cause:
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, occurs when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of the bones wears away. When the cartilage is no longer in place, bones rub together and cause friction, which results in pain and swelling. Any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the disease most commonly occurs in weight-bearing joints, including knees and hips. Normal wear and tear on the joints due to increasing age is a major contributor to osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack joint tissue. This leads to inflammation that can easily spread to surrounding tissues, cartilage and bone.
Gout is a painful disorder caused be improper elimination of uric acid in the body. Deposits of excess uric acid crystallizes in the joint, causing swelling, redness and extreme pain.
Other factors that may lead to arthritis include advancing age, gender (more women suffer from arthritis than men), obesity and repetitive movement.
Possible Symptoms of Arthritis / Joint Pain / Stiffness ( Arthritis Symptoms )
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms, and the symptoms tend to vary in severity from person to person. Signs of joint inflammation include pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling, redness and a sensation of warmth in the joint. Osteoarthritis causes stiffness and pain in the joints, but it does not typically cause symptoms outside the joint. Other types of arthritis may cause fever, rash and fatigue.
Possible Lifestyle Changes for Arthritis / Joint Pain / Stiffness
Sulfur helps rebuild bone, cartilage, and connective tissue, so eat more foods that contain sulfur, like asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions. Histidine is good for removing excess metals from the body, so eat plenty of histadine-rich foods, like rice, wheat and rye. Eat some form of fiber each day. Reduce the amount of fat in the diet. Avoid sodium if ibuprofen is being used for pain control to reduce water retention. Avoid iron supplements. Use cold gel packs to relieve pain. Hot shower or bath in the morning can ease morning stiffness. Spend time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Get regular, moderate exercise. Those who are overweight, should lose excess pounds.
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