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Arthritis Research Paper

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Arthritis - Rufaida and Aamna
Definition: Arthritis refers to painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints. It typically worsens with age and is a result of infection, trauma, degenerative changes, autoimmune disease or other causes. There are multiple branches of arthritis such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis; the most common one is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis specifically breaks down cartilage, which is a part of the bone that aids in moving the joints smoothly. It generally affects the hips, knees, hands, feet and spine. Osteoarthritis can occur at a young age, but it usually develops later in life. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which basically means that the immune system attacks the joints. This causes people with rheumatoid arthritis to get lumps called rheumatoid nodules on their skin as well as inflammation of the infected area. Psoriatic arthritis …show more content…

There may be swelling which can be warm to the touch. This can lead to trouble dressing, combing, holding things, sitting, bending over, or simple day to day activities.

Treatment: There is no real cure for osteoarthritis but research is starting focus on the fundamentals of the disease which should lead to further discoveries on treatment in the future. Presently treatments center on managing pain, decreasing burden on the joints and improving the strength of the muscles that support the joints. There have been experimental therapies done that attempt to slow the progression of the disease and increase mobility and flexibility of the joints.

Prevention: There are four precautionary methods of preventing the growth and development of osteoarthritis.
#1: Control Weight: Being overweight strains the joints, mainly the ones that carry body weight such as the knees, hips, and ankles, which causes the cartilage to

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