Arthritis,joints inflammation

It can occur anywhere in the body and, based on that, there are several types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is the common ailment of pain in the joints observed in elderly people. Other common types of arthritic ailments are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The word arthritis is derived from two root Greek words – arthros meaning ‘joint’ and itis meaning ‘inflammation’. Hence, arthritis literally translates as inflammation of the joints. Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means, it is a disease in which the human body attacks itself.It begins in one or two joints where an acute pain is felt. This is the most miserable phase of arthritis.Over time, this pain may disappear, but it could cause permanent deformities in the bones and joints. In all types of arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:

- The initial pains are felt as fleeting pains in the joints, which seem to be no more than a twitching pain.
- Pains alternate between various joints quickly.
- If the arthritis becomes acute, then on a particular day there is very sharp pain in a joint, and it becomes absolutely normal the next day. The next day another joint could be affected in a similar fashion.
- The pains could increase in the winter season or in cold nights

Why is Arthritis caused?

Different types of arthritis are caused due to different reasons.

Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a common old-age problem, which affects several people who have crossed the age of 40 years. In people with osteoarthritis, the bones may increase in size at their articulating points. As a result the spaces between them in the joints become less. When moving about, there is a high probability that different bones will rub against each other. This is the cause of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is a more serious problem than osteoarthritis because it can occur at any age. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the ligaments and tendons between the joints undergo degeneration. This causes severe pain where the degeneration has taken place. Common rheumatoid arthritis pains are felt in the fingers; but other places like the wrists, hip and knees are also affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for deformation of the fingers.

Septic Arthritis – Septic arthritis is a special type of arthritis which is caused when the joints get infected.

Gout – Gout is common old-age arthritis. It is caused when crystals of uric acid are deposited in the spaces between the joints. This type of arthritis is linked with faulty digestion.

Dietary Treatments for Arthritis

Constipation can aggravate arthritic pains. Hence foods that are difficult to digest must be avoided.

The following foods must be avoided if you have continuous arthritic pains:

- Animal fats
- Fried foods
- Foods rich in carbohydrates like potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Salt
- Sour foods, including curds