Inflammation & Arthritis

When we think Arthritis we think about inflammation. It is a process wherein which the white blood cells & immune proteins of our body help in protecting us from infections & foreign substances like bacteria & virus.

In few diseases, however, our immune system or the defense system of our body triggers an inflammatory response when there is not any foreign substance to fight with. In such diseases which are known as autoimmune diseases, the normally protective immune system of our body results in damaging its own tissues. Our body responds in a manner that normal tissues are infected or even somehow abnormal.

What diseases are linked to inflammation?

Few but not all kinds of arthritis are the consequences of a misdirected inflammation. Arthritis is a usual term which describes inflammation of joints. Some kinds of arthritis linked to inflammation are:-

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gouty arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Most common type of arthritis referred to as osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. Role of inflammation in osteoarthritis is believed to be meager. Other painful conditions of joints & musculoskeletal system not linked to inflammation comprise of muscular low back pain, fibromyalgia & muscular neck pain.

Symptoms Associated With Inflammation:

• Redness
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling
• Stiffness of joint
• Loss of joint function

Often only few of such symptoms are present.

Inflammation could also be linked with usual flu-like symptoms such as:-

• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Muscle stiffness
• Loss of appetite

Causes of Symptoms of Inflammation:

With occurrence of inflammation, chemicals of the body get released into our blood or the affected tissues as well. Such release of chemicals raises the flow of blood to the injury area or infection & could lead to redness & warmth. Some chemicals lead to leakage of fluid into tissues which result in swelling. This process could stimulate the nerves & cause pain.

Results of Joint Inflammation:

The increased flow of blood & chemical release entice the white blood cells towards the inflammation sites. The high quantity of cells & inflammatory substances in the joint could result in irritation, wearing down of the cartilage 7 swelling of the joint lining.