Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage or inflammation to joints of the body. It is very painful as joints move body parts connected by bones and inflammation can limit mobility by causing swelling, pain and heat. Uncontrolled inflammation can also lead to increased levels of C-reactive protein, an independent risk factor for heart disease.

There are many types of arthritis (over 100 and growing) each with different causes.

All types of arthritis feature pain, which may differ depending on the type and the location. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning and associated with stiffness; in the early stages, patients often have no symptoms after a morning shower.

Physical examination by doctors may confirm diagnosis but radiographs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner. Blood tests are often performed for diagnosis. These might include: rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF), extractable nuclear antigen, and specific antibodies.

Stress aggravates inflammation, increasing vulnerability to illness, and contributing to fatigue and lack of concentration. Treating stress is vital if a person is serious about creating a stronger health foundation for longevity, wellness, serenity and improved quality of life. An important first step in stress management would be to consider evaluating the sources of stress, discovering hidden and unrealised areas of stress that may impact health and quality of life.

Computer overuse and bad posture through other modern appendages to a fast life take their toll on the human body.

The treatment is dependent on the precise type of arthritis present and include physiotherapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), dietary modification, splints, cold pack application, analgesics, anti-inflammatory or immune-altering medications, and surgical operations. Arthroplasty and joint replacement surgery may be required in eroding forms of arthritis; a growing popularity has developed for glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate. This combination is a power pack for optimal joint health. It takes eight to 12 weeks for glucosamine to help nurture joints, so adding anti-inflammatory medicine will help.

A concern with long-term arthritis is the use of NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin) that can further compromise joint health and also irritate the stomach.

The Chinese herb salvia Miltiorrhiza (TriCardin) helps increase circulation, provides anti-inflammatory support for aches associated with arthritis and nerve pain, improves inflammation and circulation by dilating capillaries and enhancing circulation. In China the herb is also used to treat cardiac patients as it improves microcirculation.

Food taken should be balanced, nutritious and high in fibre. It has also been recommended by experts that people can benefit from taking a high-quality multi-vitamin daily to reduce pain. Proper hydration is also very important, since dry joints and tissues are not healthy or resilient; a healthy person should take at least eight to 10 glasses of water per day. Eating more fish and less red meat or fried foods help to lessen inflammation and reduce pain.

Exercise and arthritis go hand in hand. It was thought for many years that people who had arthritis should keep away from exercise because it would damage joints. Now, however, research has shown that exercise is an essential tool in managing arthritis. Inactivity may aggravate while activity may act as a relieving factor. Exercising of the affected joint can have noticeable improvement in terms of long-term pain relief.

Starting an exercise program can seem like a daunting proposition. Remember to start slow and make it fun. It is always good to start with flexibility exercises, which is basically stretching that will improve range of motion and help the patient perform daily activities and subsequently move on to weight training and endurance exercises such as bicycling.

Exercise can include anything from walking, a yoga class, or playing a round of tennis, but always consult a doctor before starting. A physiotherapist can show patients proper techniques and precautions when performing certain types of exercise. Whatever the treatment is, the primary aim is to provide a person comfort in daily activities.