| A diagnosis of arthritis can literally challenge even | | | | Arthritis symptoms typically ebb and flow so that |
| the strongest. | | | | there are times of more active disease and other |
| Meaning joint inflammation, arthritis encompasses | | | | times of less active disease, often referred to a |
| over 100 different arthritis conditions. It, in fact, | | | | flare. The times in which the arthritis flares it will |
| does not just simply define one type of disease. | | | | indeed get your attention and demand action. The |
| Arthritis, seems to often result from a | | | | goal is to do everything that you can to keep it |
| malfunction of the autoimmune system, and | | | | under control so that flares are few and far |
| causes inflammation of the joints and the | | | | between. |
| surrounding tissues. This inflammation leads to | | | | Yes, unfortunately there is currently no cure for |
| joint swelling, redness and ultimately pain in the | | | | arthritis which is one of the saddest thoughts of |
| affected area. | | | | all. It also makes it very challenging since there is |
| The over 100 different arthritic conditions have | | | | no clear evidence as to the exact cause of |
| differing underlying reasons for the disease. The | | | | disease onset. |
| root causes of arthritis vary and it is very | | | | So until there is a cure, an active life does not |
| important so that your physician identify the | | | | have to be a fantasy only. It just means that you |
| exact cause of your condition so that appropriate | | | | may have to make other choices in life and |
| treatment can begin. With the impact on your | | | | adaptations to how you do certain things in order |
| body, and the invasion arthritis makes on the | | | | to feel your very best. |
| joints, muscles and connective tissues the | | | | Arthritis is most certainly a challenging disease |
| ravaging changes can seriously impact your daily | | | | with which to live. But it is not something that |
| life. | | | | should cause you to lose hope. There are millions |
| A chronic disease, most types of arthritis last a | | | | fighting this battle on a daily basis who are living |
| lifetime. From the time of diagnosis, those | | | | full and active lives. |
| diagnosed with arthritis must learn to effectively | | | | It really is all about the choices you make and |
| manage and live with this disease. There is | | | | your willingness to be intimately involved in your |
| currently no cure for arthritis, which is even more | | | | healthcare management. Arthritis must be |
| reason why effective and aggressive | | | | effectively managed and you have to be a |
| management is crucial. | | | | dedicated team player if you plan to win this one. |