Did you know the number one cause for disabilities in the U.S. is arthritis? Additionally it may be the most common medical problem in the world.

Arthritis literally means joint inflammation and although we think of arthritis as one disease, it is not. There are over 100 forms of arthritis with the most common type being osteoarthritis--also called degenerative joint disease.

Osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans, most common in people over the age of 45. It can affect any joint in your body and is known as a nondicrimminating disorder (anyone can get it).

Unfortunately there is no cure for arthritis but treatments are far more advanced then they were, even just 10 years ago. The most important source of treatment is you---taking the initiative to learn from your physical therapist the proper techniques to limit your chances or decrease the progression of the disorder if you are currently suffering from this disease.

The symptoms of the disorder to watch out for, if you think you may have arthritis or are prone to getting it are:

• Pain in a joint during or after an activity (differentiate between muscle pain and joint pain)
• Discomfort in a joint before or during a weather change.
• Swelling and stiffness in a joint.
• Bony lumps on the middle or end joints of your fingers.
• Loss of flexibility or extension in the joints

Areas commonly affected by arthritis are the fingers, spine and any weight bearing joints such as hips, knees, ankles and feet. As the cartilage of theses joints deteriorate you will have pain with the initial movement or pain with just standing. The cartilage that surrounds the end of these bones wears away over time and the joint become rough. If this continues eventually you may have bone rubbing on bone.

The exact cause of arthritis is unknown but there are risk factors:

• Being over the age of 45
• Hereditary--having the predisposition for the disorder
• Being obese or being sedentary
• Having disorders that change the normal development of joints or cartilage
• Lets not forget lifestyle--nutrition, activity, etc…

If you experience pain in a joint for more then 2 weeks with associated swelling then its time to see your doctor and get the necessary physical therapy to help eliminate the problem from becoming a chronic disorder.

Since we are on the subject of medical attention lets not forget that there are several other methods of treating this disorder:

• Topical pain relievers
• Acetaminopens
• NSAIDS—Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Celebrex, Aleve)
• COX-2---Combination of steroidal and non-steroidal
• Antidepressants
• And the occasional cortisone injections

Something to note, these types of treatments are temporary and are not always 100% effective.

There are also surgical procedures available for treatment, such as total joint replacements and arthroscopic surgeries. These procedures help clean out the existing joint calcifications and/or wasting away of cartilage. The most effective way to help slow down the progression, or in theory, stop the beginning signs of this disorder is as follows:

• Exercise regularly with the proper knowledge and techniques so you don't increase the risk of injury with improper body mechanics.
• Maintain your weight to the size and shape of your body type.
• Choose appropriate footwear for any and all activities.

There are many other treatment modalities and specific exercises that can be taught to you by a physical therapist so that you can take this information and incorporate it into your regular exercise routine.