What is Arthritis?

Arthritis ('arth' means joint, 'itis' means inflammation) actually consists of more than 100 different conditions including:

• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Scleroderma

Although the conditions vary in terms of severity, cause and long term consequences, they all have joint and musculoskeletal pain, which is why they are grouped together as 'arthritis.' Often that pain is a result of inflammation of the joint lining.

What causes Arthritis?

No one knows what causes arthritis, though scientists have uncovered some information on the different types of arthritis. For instance; if the cartilage between the bones is destroyed (as in osteoarthritis), the bones of a joint can grind against each other causing pain, loss of mobility, deformity and dysfunction.

Inflammation is involved in many forms of arthritis. For example; between the bones is a joint cavity which allows the bones space to move. Around this space is a flexible capsule lined with a membrane called synovial. The membrane produces a fluid in order to lubricate and nourishes the joint. In many forms of arthritis, the synovial membrane becomes inflamed, thickens, and produces extra fluid containing inflammatory cells. The inflamed synovial membrane and fluid can damage the cartilage and underlying bone.

What are the signs and symptoms of Arthritis?

The following are common symptoms of arthritic inflammation

• Redness
• Swelling
• Heat
• Pain

The inflammation symptoms often lead to a loss of mobility of the affected joint.

How common is Arthritis?

According to the Arthritis Society of Canada “Nearly 4.5 million Canadians have arthritis. Arthritis can strike at any age – from infancy to old age – and three out of five people with arthritis are under the age of 65”. http://www.arthritis.ca/resources%20for%20advocates/default.asp?s=1
10/24/2009

What health problems are caused by Arthritis?

An inflamed joint can prevent the normal use of that joint and therefore cause a loss of function. According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, “people with arthritis report twice as many disability days as people with any other chronic condition. Arthritis is the cause of over 80% of hip and 90% of knee replacement surgeries.” http://www.arthritis.ca/resources%20for%20advocates/default.asp?s=1
10/24/2009

What can be done to help with Arthritis?

Take Norwegian Gold Critical Omega which contains a high concentration of DHA and EPA, the nutrients shown to help with arthritis.