Arthritis is a disease affecting millions of people worldwide often in ways that cause irritation, pain and discomfort. It can also cause people to become bed ridden or confined to wheel chairs in extreme cases. It can affect any joint in the body and is commonly found in the knees ankles and hips as well as the fingers and toes.

There are 3 main types of arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. All three affect the body in very similar ways but are the result of different causes. Arthritis in its simplest definition is the inflammation of joints and cartilage in any part of the body. Another noteworthy aspect of arthritis is that it can affect everyone from the most athletic most, active of us right down to the least energetic and the unhealthiest. While the cause of the inflammation of joints or the type of arthritis can vary, the symptoms of it are much the same. Joints contain cartilage that cushion and protect each component of the joint from damage and impact. Arthritis causes this cartilage to break down and as a result the joints (bones) rub together causing pain, inflammation and swelling.

As we know arthritis can affect anyone. However there are ways in which we can protect ourselves from this disease as well as treatments and remedies to ease suffering and even in some cases reverse the effects of arthritis. One of these ways is by keeping our bodies healthy. While this is not a sure way of preventing the disease, it has definitely been shown to reduce the likelihood of certain types of arthritis especially gout, affecting our bodies. Limiting your alcohol intake, keeping your body mass index in its target zone, as well as drinking plenty of water are all ways that help to ward off arthritis and also contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been known to respond well to medical treatments and certain drugs have caused huge improvements in people suffering with this type of arthritis. There are many different drugs which have been developed and, as technology and the knowledge of RA advances, more are sure to come.

Another more natural approach to treating the effects of arthritis is through herbal massage therapy. Massage can be used to directly target problem areas and facilitates the stimulation of blood flow to the affected area and in doing so can help to reduce inflammation as well as increasing mobility and flexibility of the joint. Pain and discomfort are decreased while the muscles that control the joint are relaxed and aches and pains are diminished. While massage therapy cannot cure or reverse arthritis it can be very beneficial to one who has been faced with the difficulty of living with the disease.

Physicians and experts have also developed exercise and stretching routines which aim to relax tense muscles and ligaments which surround joints that have been impacted by the effects of arthritis. Similarly and often used in conjunction with these exercises or stretches are textile products such as compressive joint supports which help to take some of the strain off of the joint as well as reducing inflammation and swelling while they are worn.

Many people live every day with the disadvantages and discomfort brought by arthritis but through medical advancements, natural remedies and research and development many of these people can have their discomfort eased and the hope is that this growth will continue in the months and years to come.