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- What is arthritis?
- Symptoms of arthritis
- Causes of arthritis
- Prevention of arthritis
- Risk factors for arthritis
- Complications of arthritis
- When to see a doctor about arthritis
- Diagnosis of arthritis
- Conventional treatment of arthritis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of arthritis
- Living with arthritis
- Caring for someone with arthritis
Symptoms for arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis:
Osteoarthritis symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis are gradual and occur over a long period, so they may not be diagnosed until the condition is well established. Main symptoms are:
- Bones of affected joints thicken and broaden (as a way to to reduce load on cartilage)
- Cartilage becomes rough and brittle
- Joint become knotted and has abnormal protuberances
- Muscle weakness
- Pain on walking or moving the affected joint(s)
- Progressive pain and joint enlargement
- Single or multiple joints are effected
- Space inside the joint narrows
- Stiff joint(s)
- Synovial membrane and joint capsule thicken
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Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative condition which has sudden onset and then becomes chronic due to the body's immune system attacking itself. Main symptoms are:
- Anaemia
- Chest pain on breathing - this is due to inflammation of the joints between the collarbone and sternum or inflammation of the lining of the lungs
- Difficulty walking
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Feeling generally unwell
- Fever
- Loss of strength in affected joints
- Pain on movement
- Rheumatoid nodules, which are harmless but cause discomfort and pain
- Stiffness, especially after sitting for a long time
- Stiffness first thing in the morning
- Tiredness and extreme lethargy
- Vasculitis - which causes ulcers or lesions on the skin
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
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< 1: what is arthritis 3: causes > Last reviewed: 3 January 2009 || Last updated: 8 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
