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.

== == It will be one of the anti-inflammatories..ie Motrin (Ibuprofen), Aleve, and the like......Tylenol doesn't have anti-inflammatory properties.

You need to read label and take as directed.There has been some warnings about not to take this class of medicine if you have heart disease,or have had heart attacks...also if you have an history of ulcers you should avoid this class of medicine.

Taking too much Tylenol can be bad for your liver though...so if you have doubts check with your provider.

Theconnection between Osteoarthritis and diet has long been a point of conjecture, The only way to find out that a particular food is helpful is by partaking in it for a period of time to see what the effect on your arthritis is. The same rule applies to foods that are suspected of bringing on the symptoms of osteoarthritis. only in reverse.

Endocrineproblems,Diabetes, acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and obesity.
Post traumatic conditions:
Macro trauma, for example the results of an injury such as a broken bone resulting in the bone no longer lining up properly after it has healed, lost stability, or damage cartilage. Microtrauma may occur over time (chronically). An example of this would be repetitive movements or the overuse noted in several occupations.
Inflammatory joint diseases: This category would include infected joints, chronic gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid disease.
Metabolic: Diseases causing errors of metabolism such as Paget disease and Wilson disease.
Congenital or developmental: anatomical problems such as unequal leg length may cause osteoarthritis.
Genetic: A genetic defect may promote breakdown of the protective architecture of cartilage. Examples include collagen disturbances such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Neuropathic: Diseases such as diabetes can cause nerve problems. The loss of sensation may affect how the body knows the position and condition of the joints or limbs. In other words, the body can't tell when it is injured.
Other: Nutritional problems may cause osteoarthritis. Other diseases such as hemophilia and sickle cell are further examples.

taking into account the huge variety of different reasons why one has osteoarthritis it would be very difficult to say that this could spread to other parts of the body without a thorough physical examination aside from knowing that when has arthritis one is more likely to exhibit further further problems with the disease then in the case of one that has not been diagnosed with it.

poly-arthritis Or Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is usually treated with anti inflammatory or disease modifying drugs. this is important as this disease can totally destroy and deform effected joints and organs.