Arthritis is a very common geriatric condition. It is a problem that mostly makes older people its victims. This is mostly a disease that involves the person?s joints. The main characteristic is an unbearable pain in the joints. The person might even suffer from this kind of pain in more than one joint of the hands and the legs, but other parts of the body can also be affected. As a person grows older, the chances of arthritis improve. There are different kinds of arthritis. Some kinds, especially the rheumatoid arthritis, affects more women than men.

Arthritis ? Usual Symptoms

Arthritis is mostly characterized by a sharp, often unbearable, pain in the joints. It becomes very difficult for the person to move those particular joints. Along with the pain, the joints can also become stiff and there can be swelling in the region. In some people, the symptoms are more visible, because the region becomes red.

Many people get fevers too. An unexpected loss in weight can occur. Some people experience more serious complications, such as difficulties in breathing.

How is Arthritis treated?

Arthritis is treated with a systematic medical program in most cases. The medical officer will first look into the physical condition of the patient and also at other factors such as their lifestyle, other medical conditions present in them, the medications taken for those, and such. Then a proper medical routine will be planned out. A few discussions between the patient and the doctor happen in the initial stages, during which the doctor understands what the best approach for the treatment would be.

Tests include blood and urine tests and sometimes tests of the fluids present in the joints, which are known as synovial fluids. Doctors also check how well the joints can be moved. Treatment uses various kinds of medications and therapies. In extreme conditions, surgeries are resorted to.

However, mild cases of arthritis can be cured by the use of herbal oils and lotions which are quite easily available online. These are completely non-invasive methods, meant only for topical application. Being herbal, they show no side effects and are very effective methods of treatment. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure also have their own ways of controlling and treating the arthritic condition.