ARTHRITIS
To a common
man arthritis means a painful and deformed joint. A joint is
a connection between two bones. It has a smooth surface, and
has fluid resembling oil to lubricate it, in order to allow
free movements.
In arthritis
due to variety of reasons, the quantity of oil in the joint
reduces and its quality becomes inferior. Also the smooth surfaces
which form the main part of the joint become rough. When this
happens, the joint hurts on movements. This is the beginning
of arthritis.
If you compare
any of your joints to the door hinge you will understand the
working of a joint. When the door hinge starts rusting, it moves
with difficulty, making squeaking noise. As more and more rust
accumulates, the hinge refuses to move, requiring replacement.
Something similar happens to the joint in arthritis.
The initial
treatment for arthritis is medicines, which reduce pain and
inflammation, coupled with application of warmth to joint, simple
exercises and use of support while walking.
When the
arthritis progresses further, the joint remains painful even
at rest, the limb becomes deformed and moving few steps becomes
and ordeal. At this stage in arthritis, one considers resurfacing
the joint. Resurfacing of joint is also called Joint Replacement.
