How does arthritis affect the human body?

Answer 1

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can be caused by various things, but most often it is caused by either auto-immune disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis) or by wear and tear on the joints and on the bones that connect with the joint (Osteoarthritis ~ also known as Degenerative Joint Disease ~ DJD).

In Osteoarthritis the cartilage tissue inside the joint degenerates and is worn down over time. It can eventually result in bone grinding on bone in the joints instead of having the cushioning cartilage to pad between the bones. (See illustrations in related links below). Any joints can be affected and not necessarily the same joints on either side of the body. The joints become sore and achy, red, and swollen and the pain is often noticed first in the weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, ankles, feet, spine, etc.) and in the joints of the hands and fingers. The joints will swell, look red, and eventually distort. The joints may "freeze" in their position so you lose joint range of motion and lose finger dexterity if the joints in the hands are affected. There are aids such as special pens, button fasteners and eating utensils (for examples) to help position the joints and eliminate pressure or twists on the joints.

Long term, you may need to take NSAIDS (anti-inflammation medicines ~ Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) on a regular basis, use a walker or wheel chair to take weight off the joints, physical therapy and ultimately joint replacement surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Your body's immune system goes "haywire" and starts attacking the lining of the joint called synovium. It is not clear exactly why some people's immune systems do this, although it might be related to viral and bacterial infections that trigger the immune response. There is also a connection between smoking and the development of the disease (stop doing that). It usually starts in the smaller joints in hands, feet, and ankles and symmetrically affects the same joints on both sides of the body. The symptoms are similar to osteoarthritis, but the tendons and ligaments that hold the joints together can also stretch and become weak and unable to keep the joints in alignment, usually resulting in much more deformity in earlier stages than other types of arthritis.

See more detailed information and illustrations from Mayo Clinic about both of these kinds of arthritis in the related links below.

Answer 2

Osteoarthritis affects the joints of the body leading to first pain and in some cases if left untreated disability's that could affect other functions in the body as a result of inability to exercise muscles etc,