What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder which leads to the inflammation of one or more joints characterized by pain and stiffness. It causes difficulty in movement. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. The joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints leading to inconvenience in movement and pain.

There are in numerous forms of arthritis but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common amongst them.

Rheumatoid arthritis, is an auto-immune disorder, caused by antibodies that attack healthy joints, causing inflammation and pain in them. Being overweight is seldom a causative factor for rheumatoid arthritis, but the role of obesity in rheumatoid arthritis cannot be negated

Osteoarthritis on the other hand, is the most commonly found joint disorder that can affect any joint in the body. However, it mostly shows its effect on the weight-bearing joints like knees, hip, ankles, neck and spine. Extra weight appears to increase the risk of osteoarthritis by placing extra pressure on these joints and wearing away the cartilage (tissue that cushions the joints) that normally protects them. Weight loss can decrease stress on the knees, hips, and lower back and may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Some symptoms indicative of osteoarthritis are early morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness in one or more joints, fever, weakness.

ANJALI MUKERJEE, Nutritionist, Founder Director-Health Total, having health centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune -manages obesity & other health related disorders.
Contact numbers: 1-800-843-0206/+91 86575 61727
For further information, Visit www.health-total.com