Types of arthritis
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cenfath at posted a very decent looking easy overview of the different types of arthritis:
There is no evidence whatsoever that cracking your joints for this reason causes arthritis. However, I will give you a word of caution. If it causes you ANY pain at all - STOP! That WILL lead to arthritis. You have this stuff called synovial fluid (I'm pretty sure that's what it's called) that lubricates your joints and all that jazz to keep your joints lubricated and produce smooth fluid movement. If you're knicking the cartilage at the end of your bones it can cause it to become rough, jagged, and inflammed (hence the name arthritis. Arthr/o = joint, itis=inflammation). There are all typs of arthritis: osteoarthritis, RA (rheumatoid arthritis), "The Gout", anklyosing spondylitis (my grandmother has RA, gout, and this pain in the b**t to pronounce spondylitis thing), juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on. Most of these above are genetic.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the end of the bones begins to deteriorate causing the bones to rub together.
Rheumatoid arthritis is VERY painful. Let's hope none of your are genetically predisposed to this. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the joints to be inflammed due to the activity of the immune system. It effects most women.
"The Gout" as many "fondly" refer to it effects mainly smaller joints, especially the big toe. It effects mostly men. Extremely painful when exacerbations occur. Standing let alone walking may be impossible. Exacerbations can be avoided with medicine.
Anklyosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that effects the spine. As a result of the inflammation the bones grow together (pleasant isn't it?).
Juvenile arthritis is a general term used for arthritis found in children. From RA to lupus.
Lupus is a disorder that can effect joints and other connective tissues througout the body. Yes, it is very serious. Preventing and avoiding exacerbations is very important.
Fibromyalgia effects mainly women and it targets the muscles and other attachments to the bone.
There are general types of arthritis that are caused from just general everyday use. You can however do things to ease the pain of arthritis (no not pills guys). Exercise! You may commence groaning now. Okay! Now that it's out of your system let me tell you why. Exercise can reduce joint stiffness and pain and build strong muscle around the joints as well as build endurance and increase flexibility. Not to mention you can control your weight and sleep better, give you more energy, and promote overall health. It can also reduce the risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. If you have arthritis you should consult your doctor for an exercise regime that is suitable for you.
NOTE TO WOMEN On average arthritis effects TWICE as many of us as it does men. This is just me, but I am a very firm believe that there's a link between arthritis and osteoporosis. I do not know if anyone else has looked into this or not (Steve, do you think you could help me out here?) If you are at risk for osteoporosis (as I am and most other women) take a calcium supplement or drink lots of milk. You can start losing bone density as early as 35!!
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Yes i have seen that too about if it causes pain, then stop. But i think that when you start cracking, you always feel pain then it goes after a few times and satisfaction comes along.
Also some children are born with hypermoblie joints whereas others aren't. It is dangerous if they do crack when they are in there teens as they are developing and they can causes future problems.
I still did it and i'm only 14 :oops:
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well i'm relieved to see i'm less likely to get arthritis than women… although that's no consolation to the women i guess..
