Understanding arthritis key to battling snags

Understanding available resources can empower individuals to manage their condition more effectively, say experts

Increased understanding of arthritis will help overcome related complications, say doctors. They are of the view that early diagnosis and increased awareness will help people overcome the problems associated with it better.

By making informed decisions, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health, improve their quality of life, and combat the challenges posed by arthritis. Understanding available resources, including support groups, educational materials, and professional guidance, can empower individuals to manage their condition more effectively, say experts.

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In osteoarthritis, cartilage—the hard slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint—is broken down.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.