Arthritis is a generic term for inflammatory joint disease. Regardless of the cause, inflammation of the joints may cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and some redness of the skin about the joint.

Conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and back problems are certainly primary causes of long-term disabilities in our nation. However, mental illness is the leading cause of disability in U.S. citizens ranging in ages from 15 to 44, according to National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) statistics.

In the United States, 23% of all adults, or more than 54 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other forms include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Normal wear and tear causes OA, one of the most common forms of arthritis. An infection or injury to the joints can exacerbate this natural breakdown of cartilage tissue. Your risk of developing OA may be higher if you have a family history of the disease.

Foods to Avoid

• Trans Fats. Trans fats should be avoided since they can trigger or worsen inflammation and are very bad for your cardiovascular health.
• Gluten. More than just a health trend, there are good reasons to avoid gluten.
• Refined Carbs & White Sugar.
• Processed & Fried Foods.
• Nuts.
• Garlic & Onions.
• Beans.
• Citrus Fruit.

Arthritis in Knee: 4 Stages of Osteoarthritis

• Stage 0 – Normal. When the knee shows no signs of osteoarthritis, it is classified as Stage 0, which is normal knee health, with no known impairment or signs of joint damage.
• Stage 1 – Minor.
• Stage 2 – Mild.
• Stage 3 – Moderate.
• Stage 4 – Severe.

As the cartilage surface wears and thins, a progression of symptoms develop. Eventually, at the end stage of arthritis, the articular cartilage wears away completely and bone on bone contact occurs.

On the one hand you have osteoarthritis of the back and hips, and power walking on hard surfaces is likely to aggravate it. On the other hand you have early osteoporosis, and weight bearing exercise is recommended to delay further bone loss.

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and sometimes stiffness in the affected joints. The pain tends to be worse when you move the joint or at the end of the day. Your joints may feel stiff after rest, but this usually wears off fairly quickly once you get moving.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.

Overview. Many people who have arthritis or a related disease may be living with chronic pain. Pain is chronic when it lasts three to six months or longer, but arthritis pain can last a lifetime. It may be constant, or it may come and go.

Slowing Osteoarthritis Progression

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees.
2. Control Blood Sugar.
3. Get Physical.
4. Protect Joints.
5. Choose a Healthy Lifestyle.

Taking good care of yourself can help prevent joint problems.

1. Keep a healthy body weight. Extra weight puts stress on your joints.
2. Control your blood sugar. High blood sugar levels raise your risk of getting OA.
3. Be active every day.
4. Prevent injury to your joints.
5. Pay attention to pain.

Top 4 Supplements to Treat Arthritis Pain

1. Curcumin (from turmeric root) Evidence suggests the turmeric root has anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Vitamin D. If you have arthritis pain or are at high risk for arthritis, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

A recent discovery has been made in the field OA treatment that may allow those who experience related pain symptoms to gain greater mobility in their joints. Chondroitin sulfate was found to significantly reduce pain and improve hand mobility in osteoarthritis patients.

Generally, the first medication recommended for osteoarthritis treatment is acetaminophen. It relieves pain but does not reduce inflammation in the body. Acetaminophen is relatively safe, though taking more than the recommended dosage can damage your liver, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have severe joint damage, severe pain, or very limited motion, you may need surgery for your osteoarthritis. These procedures can relieve pain and allow for better mobility.

The new drug consists of the plant-derived molecules apocynin and paeonol. AKL initially developed the drug to treat osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the joints that affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), taken at the recommended doses, typically relieve osteoarthritis pain.

12 Supplements for Osteoarthritis

• 12 Supplements for Osteoarthritis. Numerous natural supplements are promoted for treating osteoarthritis (OA), from glucosamine and chondroitin to curcumin.
• Fish Oil.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
• Vitamin D.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Pycnogenol.
• S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
• Boswellia serrata.

PROBIOTICS FOUND IN GREEK YOGURT SHOWN TO DECREASE INFLAMMATION OF ARTHRITIS.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

• Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fatty fish such as cod, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements.
• These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.

Lemon water is not a miracle cure for your arthritis. However, you can help improve your wellness when you consume the recommended amount of vitamin C and water each day. For many arthritis patients, lemon water can help them reach this nutritional goal.

Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation. Adequate water intake can help keep your joints well lubricated and prevent gout attacks. Drinking water before a meal can also help you eat less, promoting weight loss.

Best Fruits for Arthritis

• Fruit Basics. All fruits have health benefits, but some have more disease-fighting properties than others.
• Tart cherries. Tart cherries get their dark red color and many of their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits from the flavonoid anthocyanin.
• Strawberries.
• Red Raspberries.
• Avocado.
• Watermelon.
• Grapes.

Busting three arthritis food myths

• Citrus fruits cause inflammation. Some people believe that they should avoid citrus fruits because the acidity is inflammatory.
• Avoiding dairy helps with osteoarthritis. There are also claims that avoiding dairy can help with osteoarthritis.
• Nightshade vegetables cause inflammation.

Bananas and Plantains are high in magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms. Blueberries are full of antioxidants that protect your body against both inflammation and free radicals–molecules that can damage cells and organs.

Dark chocolate and green tea, which you mentioned, have anti-inflammatory properties. These foods contain natural inflammation fighters, such as antioxidants and phytochemicals (natural chemicals found in some plant foods). Below are some other foods that may ease the inflammation associated with RA.

Consuming eggs regularly can lead to an increased amount of swelling and joint pain. The yolks contain arachidonic acid, which helps trigger inflammation in the body. Eggs also contain saturated fat which can also induce joint pain.