Arthritis symptom, treatment & prevention

There are two of the main types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both painful conditions that affect the joints and bones.

Of the two, Osteoarthritis is the more common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the bones gradually wears away, leaving the bones in the joints to rub on each other.

In more extreme versions it can even cause the joints to misalign. It occurs most often in the hands, spine, knees and hips.

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as inflammatory arthritis, is less common but more severe. This is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the joint, breaking down the bone and cartilage and causing pain and swelling.

Although it is usually associated with older people, it can also affect children. Indeed, there are over 200 forms, the most common ones including:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Cervical spondylitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Systemic lupus erythematosis (lupus)
• Gout
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reiter's syndrome

Medications