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Facts About Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis is a big issue.
Look at some introductory facts.
Referred to as the nation’s number one crippling disease and the most common chronic disease in people over 40, arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans. And this figure is expected to rise to 60 million by 2020, according to the Center for Disease Control.
When arthritis is first suspected, it would be wise to seek a medical opinion first
Arthritis generally afflicts people between the ages of 20 and 50, but can affect all ages, even infants. The average age of onset is 47 and about three out of every five people with arthritis are under 65 years of age.
Arthritic expenditures for just one person due to lost wages, medical treatment and other related expenses can come to more than $150,000 in his or her lifetime.
And doctors believe there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic: all forms cause joint inflammation.
Causes of Arthritis
Joints can handle some heavy pressure ...
For example, knees handle a force of three to four times a person’s total body weight on average just taking a walk. The force of a deep knee bend during a squat can increase to nine times the body weight.
So just imagine multiplying weight of more than 150 pounds times a minimum of three or four, and then even more.
That can sure add up to a lot of heavy work on knee joints over time !
Mechanical Causes of Arthritis
Now for the science of this scenario ...
Where two bones meet, called the joint, the bone ends are covered with cartilage, also known as gristle. This cartilage is sturdy, elastic and spongy or compressible, and keeps the bones from moving against each other at the joint. The cells of this cartilage, called chondrocytes, are thought to be the longest living cells of the body.
Surrounding the bones and cartilage is strong, fibrous capsule lined with synovium, a thin membrane that lubricates the joint area with fluid. The end result is less friction or smoother rubbing together of the bones. This fluid also feeds the cartilage cells, keeping them healthy, and is “pumped” into them during joint movement.
Thus lack of movement (activity / exercise) can be unhealthy
Other parts of the body features involved with this arthritic scenario include muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursea and mental activity. Muscles, attached to bones with tendons and ligaments, move bones by contracting.
They also cushion movement, absorbing impact or shock.
Throughout the muscle and tendon areas are bursae or sacs filled with fluid. These also help cushion movement. And throughout all the coordination of these parts during movement, the brain is a part. The brain communicates via nerves throughout the body, in particular the muscles for this scenario, to prepare joints for activity.
Ten Most Common Causes of Arthritis
The exact science of what actually causes arthritis is still being researched.
For most of the 100-plus forms of arthritis, the causes are unknown. Howevever, some of the most common causes are:
Arthritic pain is caused when the joints become inflamed ...
And doctors believe there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, all sharing one main characteristic: all forms cause joint inflammation.
Causes of Arthritis - Inflammation of the Joints
Arthritic joints can be affected with inflammation when bacteria or a virus (or other undesirable element) enters the joint area or when an injury occurs.
What happens is when foreign matter enters this area or the area sustains injury, white blood cells, antibodies and other natural “fighting” mechanisms automatically kick in internally to help.
These fighters cause swelling, redness and heat as the body fluid moves around.
Symptoms of inflammation ....
... are some of the uncomfortable issues associated with arthritis.
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Legal Disclaimer The information contained in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
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