PRC - Arthritis - What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis
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What is Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Causes?
The word arthritis comes from the Greek word athron meaning joint and the Latin word itis meaning inflammation – so arthritis is the medical term used to describe inflammation, swelling and/or pain in the joints. The causes of arthritis still baffle many scientists. However, most medical researchers agree that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Bacteria and viruses may trigger the genetic propensity for arthritis while environmental factors such as physical injury, emotional trauma, age, diet, and smoking all have potential implications in the onset of arthritis.
Arthritis is an age old condition and medical science is discovering new and effective arthritis management and prevention therapies all the time. For arthritis pain relief, you can seek out any Relax The Back store in the Houston area and find a wide range of the back support and remedial products. Come in to speak to any of our in-store, specially trained back care product specialists to get tailored recommendations and specific advice based on your history of arthritis pain, back pain and back comfort needs.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
As opposed to osteoarthritis, which is a loss of cartilage in the joints caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. For reasons scientists still do not fully understand, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the its own tissue, specifically the thin membrane that lines the joints called the synovial membrane or synovium. This results in inflammation and extreme pain in the joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is most common in women and usually develops between the ages of 40 and 60.
Major signs of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Pain, swelling and/or stiffness in the joints.
- A warm sensation in the joints.
- The fingers, arms, legs and wrists are the most common areas affected.
- Symptoms are usually worse upon waking and for 30 minutes after waking.
- Redness and puffiness around the joints – particularly if the affected area is in the hands.
For more information on what causes arthritis and for great products and tips on how to manage your arthritis pain visit any Relax The Back in the Houston area.