• Arthritis
• Forms of Arthritis
• Growing Health Problem
• Inflammation
• Current Treatment Market
• Osteoarthritis
• Our Solution to Arthritis

FORMS OF ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints caused by excessive expression of the cells of an enzyme called cyclooxidase-2.

Arthritis isn't just one disease. It is actually a complex disorder that comprised more than a hundred distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They have very different causes, risk factors and effects on the body, yet they often share a common symptom - persistent joint pain.

Various common forms of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis.
  
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body's immune system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and disabling types, affecting mostly women.
  
  
• Gout, which affects mostly men. It is usually the result of a defect in body chemistry. This painful condition most often attacks small joints, especially the big toe. Fortunately, gout almost always can be completely controlled with medication and changes in diet.
  
  
• Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. As a result of inflammation, the bones of the spine grow together.
  
  
• Juvenile arthritis, a general term for all types of arthritis that occur in children. Children may develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or childhood forms of lupus, ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis.
  
  
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) , a serious disorder that can inflame and damage joints and other connective tissues throughout the body.
  
  
• Scleroderma, a disease of the body's connective tissue that causes a thickening and hardening of the skin.
  
  
• Fibromyalgia, in which widespread pain affects the muscles and attachments to the bone. It affects mostly women.

Copyright © 2007 Metabolic Research, Inc.