alikong:

Arthritis means inflammation of the joint.. “arthro” greek meaning joint and “itis” greek meaning inflammation. Osteoarthritis occurs in joints where the cartilage has worn away and the bone is rubbing collectively. There isnt any cure for osteoarthritis other than replacing the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually considered to be a chronic autoimmue disorder where the body is attacking the tissues in the joints. Osteoarthritis tends to occur in individual joints, usually in older people from wear and tear. Rheutmatoid arthritis can occur in any age group and usually involves multiple joints. It is plotting to occur after a viral infection such as a cold or if not. The theory is that the virus looks very similar to the cells in the tissues of the joint and the body’s immune system mistakes the joint for a virus or unknown body. This is why the joint gets inflammed. Osteoarthritis is degenerative, namely it doesnt tend to get better, it will stay the same or get worse. Rheumatoid arthritis can come and go to a certain boundary. Both forms cause swollen, sore, sometimes hot joints. Arthritis can be very painful and debilitating. It’s most noticable in the finger and toe joints but can occur in any joint and can over time cause deformities as the joint enlarges and ceases to function as it should. “Flare ups” are regularly associated with changes in the weather or temperature but can be associated with other things. Both can be relieved to some boundary by painkillers and there are new advances in the treatment all the time. Here is a site that can give you more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthritis
http://www.arthritis.org/

itutorchem:

If you would like more first hand info from people with RA/OA.. check out 4ratalk.com….lots of fantastic info and lots of fantastic people there really keen to give info/advice…im there and like it!