Arthritis, rheumatism and sandhivat — the terms are commonly used for any pain of muscle and bone system. Arthritis is a disease that has assumed national proportions, affecting a significant portion of the Indian population. Even so, there is also much misunderstanding about the disease.

People need to understand the disease correctly so that precautions can be taken much early in life and the patients can get the right treatment. Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. “Arthrus” means joint and “it is” means inflammation. Thus, in simple terms, affection of joints by inflammation is called arthritis (or sandhivat — sandhi means joint).

Why does arthritis occur?

Our musculoskeletal systems helps us move, sit, work with skillful movements.This is aided by the “joints” — areas where two bones meet. And the movement of the joints are possible with the help of muscles. Normally, our immune system can differentiate self and non-self. For example, when you get cold and cough, virus and bacteria attack the body. Our immune system can fight the foreign germs by making antibodies. But sometimes, the antibodies within our body start attacking the good cells. In such cases, if it attacks the thyroid, then the thyroid gland is destroyed. Likewise, when it attacks our joints, arthritis occurs.

Common symptoms

First and foremost, the joints become painful. One or more joint may be painful at the same time and they may feel stiff and difficult to move. The stiffness is usually worse in the morning. The pain is more severe during certain times of the day or after performing certain tasks. Swelling at joints can occur and the skin over the joint may appear red, and feel warm when touched.

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