Arthritis: Causes, Effects and Management

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or more joints. It is a common cause of disability. It has more than 100 different forms and related conditions. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes wear and tear to the cartilage between joints. Gradually, it can lead to bone grinding directly on bone, thus causing pain and limiting movement. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs due to an autoimmune response of the body, in which the lining of joint capsules becomes inflamed and swollen. Eventually, it destroys the cartilage and bone within a joint. The management of arthritis may include strategies such as alternating between heat and cold treatment, and resting the joints. Exercise and weight loss also help to reduce symptoms. Pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be used to reduce inflammation of the joint. In some eroding forms of arthritis, joint replacement surgery is recommended. This book explores all the important aspects of arthritis in modern day medicine. It strives to provide a fair idea about the causes, effects and management of arthritis. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of orthopedics, this book targets students and professionals.