Arthritis > What is 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