ARTHRITIS - KNOW MORE

SCIATICA--Sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve which runs down from the hip joint. This is a particularly crippling complaint & agonising in its painfulness. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body & runs down to the ankle joint. Sciatica can be caused by draught, dampness or chill. It can also be caused by a displaced spinal disc or vertebra.

MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM--Muscular Rheumatism is often caused by a draught or chill which constricts the blood vessels in the effected region. Because of this constriction, the toxic matter in that region does not get eliminated & inflammation sets in. This generally affects muscles of the shoulder,neck, back, arms or legs. The common cause of this ailment which is also called Fibrositis, is injury to the effected part- a muscle tendon or ligament.

SPONDYLITIS--Spondylitis is a chronic & progressive form of Arthritis which affects one or more of the vertebrae. The degenerative changes in the vertebra are similar to those in Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is most commonly found in males who keep bending their necks or backs constantly during their work. The onset is usually gradual beginning with mild back pains which become increasingly severe as the inflammation progresses.

BURSITIS-- Bursitis means the inflammation of a bursa or several bursae. A bursa is a small fat sack, namely, a pouch containing synovial fluid, a slimy lubricant required to reduce friction & absorb that joints & tendons are subjected to. The most commonly affected are those of the elbow, shoulder joint & knee joint. The most frequent cause of Bursitis is an injury such as a knock or unusual pressure on the knee-cap or excessive amount of exercise which can irritate the joint.

RHEUMATIC FEVER-- Rheumatic fever usually begins with a sore throat or tonsillitis. During fever, cough, chill, pleurisy & abdominal pain will be experienced. Swelling & pain of joints of a severe nature generally follow & continue even the after fever is over. This may lead to heart disease & other disturbances in the bodily functions In addition to the above, there are several other types of Arthritis; namely Arthritis deformans, ankylosis, spondylitis, infective type of Arthritis resulting from tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis & rheumatic Arthritis. Rheumatic Arthritis is a less serious form of rheumatoid Arthritis & it generally occurs after a bout of rheumatic fever. The most common forms of Arthritis are rheumatic Arthritis & Osteo- Arthritis, of which the former is most painful & crippling & affects people of all ages particularly those who are in their most active & productive stage of life.