Arthritis

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What Is Arthritis? Arthritis is a general term that literally means "inflammation of the joints." The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage. Another form is rheumatoid arthritis, which causes joint inflammation due to an immune system disorder. This section only addresses osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects nearly 40 million Americans and is the most common cause of long-term disability. It is caused by degeneration of the cartilage in joints. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, not only reduces elasticity and lubrication in the joints, but weakens muscles and loosens ligaments. This degeneration of cartilage can occur in any joints, but is most common in the knees, hips, hands, neck and lower back.

Arthritis : 

Arthritis Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Lupus Fibromyalgia Gout There are over 100 types of Arthritis these are the 5 most widely diagnosed. Age defined, breaking down of joint tissue Inflammatory condition butterfly skin rash, arthritis, hair loss, fatigue, nephritis, and other serious problems. stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation overload of uric acid in the body, most painful

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The biggest risk factors for osteoarthritis are simply aging and joint use, but osteoarthritis can also be due to obesity, injury, nutritional factors, metabolic disorders, and genetics. Most people over age 60 have osteoarthritis to some degree, but its severity varies. Even people in their 20s and 30s can get osteoarthritis. In people over 50, more women than men get osteoarthritis. Symptoms of osteoarthritis most often develop gradually and include: * Joint aching and soreness, especially with movement * Pain after overuse or after long periods of inactivity * Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers (which may or may not be painful) * Joint swelling and joint fluid accumulation

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Arthritis is considered to be any abnormality of a joint with heat, pain & inflammation. Arthritis puts stress on the body that is often in a highly acidic state . . . . due to a large quantity of acid waste material (uric acid) which affects the bony structure of the body because it is not being eliminated properly from the system. Acid waste material collects in the joints causing swelling & in some cases can even cause complete calcification & deformity because of the erosive action.

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Although modern medicine provides some relief from the pain of arthritis, we can go back to the simplicity of nature for help as well. Our body has the capacity to cure itself of any ailment that might attack it when given a little help from nature. Using reflexology we can stimulate the particular problem area such as the knee, shoulder, hip, legs, lower back, etc. as well as the organs of elimination to assist in removing acid waste material from the body. By stimulating specific reflexes we help detoxify an acidic system & enhance the immune system.