WebMD.com begins its section on arthritis by saying, “Arthritis is a broad term that covers a group of over 100 diseases.” Sadly, that is true.
However, the majority of people who are afflicted with arthritis can seek information and help under one of the 2 broad types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Let’s look at them in under 60 seconds each.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the pain that you feel in your joints—knees, elbows, hips, etc.—due to wear and tear.The cartilage that acts as a cushion between 2 bones in a joint has worn off, and the pain is from the “rub” between the bones. It is usually age-related, and being overweight is a clear risk factor for earlier onset.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a more complex condition in which, for reasons still unknown, the body attacks its own joints, causing inflammation and pain.Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., explains, “In rheumatoid arthritis, the cells in the immune system attack the synovium, causing inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain.” RA can strike at any age.
If you have either of these or any of the other variants of arthritis, don’t despair. Mother Nature has a chest full of solutions that you can try. Click here to understand what you can do by way of simple exercises, lifestyle tips, and of course, dietary supplements.