Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and involves the breakdown of cartilage and bones, causing pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by an abnormality in the body s immune system that causes inflammation of the joints. The same joints on both sides of the body are often affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Much research is being done in the hopes of eventually finding a cure for arthritis. Until that day, there are many ways to decrease the pain and disability caused by arthritis.
Exercise plays an important role in controlling arthritis.
Muscles and joints affected by arthritis should maintain their flexibility. Excess weight increases the risk for developing arthritis, and exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Use of hot or cold compresses may help alleviate pain and stiffness temporarily. In extreme cases, surgery may be used to control arthritis when other treatments have failed.