By Solomon AButoh

ARthritis is a non-specific term used in describing various musculo/skeletal disorders. There are three types of arthritis. Reumatoid -this type of arthritis affects mainly the muscular tissues of the joints around the knees and ankle.

Gouty arthritis – affects joints on both hands, from the thumb, knuckles etc while Osteo arthritis affects the skeletal framework of the human body, generally referred to as the bones.

However, the areas mainly affected are from the clavicles (collar bones) scapaula (shoulder) humerus,radius/ulna, carpal bones,pelvis (hip bones and joins ) fermur ,patella(knee) tibia,febula ,tarsal and metatarsal bones. Bones and muscles provide the human system the firm support the body needs to protect and give it shape.

The adult skeleton contains 206 bones (the same number in men and women ,though they vary in size)and over 650 muscles which co-ordinate the movements of the body.

Causes: Health and wholeness can only be maintained so long as the inner environment and metabolism are in harmony. But where the body’s bio-chemical and metabolic processes are out of tune, one of the effects is that the body will be under much stress to remove waste and toxins.

If left unnoticed for long, which is often the case, toxins can accumulate in the connective tissue of the joints, and sow seeds for the development of arthritis, particularly if there is a genetic disposition in that direction. Occupational or recreational activities or even road traffic accident could also be a causative factor .

Signs and Symptoms: Depending on the individual’s professional or social activities or exposure, one key manifestation of arthritis whether rheumatoid,gouty or osteo arthritis is pain, stiffness inflammation on the affected part, which ultimately creates difficulty for other parts of the body. There could also be swelling and redness of the parts affected, especially rheumatoid and gouty.

Treatment/management: Since the skeleton connective tissue, muscles and joints hold us together, to effectively treat or manage any disharmony in this area requires a completely holistic approach for any meaningful and lasting result to be achieved. If the problems are due to structural misalignment, a lot can be achieved with the help of manipulative,psycho-physical adjustment.

Where there is congestion, then all the connected pathways must be cleared (these may be cardio-vascular, urinary or disgestive). The individual’s diet pattern must be taken into account as bad or poor dietary habits are known precursors of arthritic conditions.

Orthopaedic Surgery: This approach , usually painful and expensive, though have not been able to effectively tackle this problem, surgery should be a last resort, the very last resort.

Exercise Regimen: Exercise, supported with diet and appropriate remedies should serve you well throughout life.