Arthritis literally means joint inflammation.

Arthritis describes not only just one particular disease but in fact it describes more than 100 different arthritic conditions. Arthritis and the associated diseases are known as rheumatic diseases.

When diagnosed with arthritis the joints and surrounding tissues such as tendons and muscles become inflamed. Inflammation is the body's protective reaction to illness or injury. It can cause redness, pain and swelling in the joints.

Rheumatic diseases describe diseases of the joints, muscles, and connective tissues with each of the diseases having a different root cause. Some serious forms of arthritis are known as autoimmune diseases and in these particular diseases, the body's auto immune systems simply malfunctions.

Many forms of arthritis are chronic diseases which means they will last from the time of diagnosis throughout the remainder of life. They do not go away. They cannot be cured by drugs or treatment.

But just because arthritis is a chronic disease that does not mean that the arthritis sufferer must live constantly in pain because of the disease. Arthritis symptoms tend to have periods when the symptoms are more active and require your attention and then periods of quiet or remission when the symptoms subside and you feel better.

Having arthritis absolutely does not mean that you cannot or should not enjoy a full and active lifestyle. Yes, you may have to make adaptations or alterations in your lifestyle but there are plenty of suggestions to get you through some of the daily challenges.

Currently there is no known cure for arthritis. In fact one of the frustrating challenges of this disease is that there is currently no specific cause as to why the disease develops in the first place. Further research must be undertaken in order to better benefit those battling arthritis in the future.

Arthritis is certainly a challenge that you must face if you have been diagnosed with this condition. But don't let it completely alter your lifestyle. Learn to be an active partner in your own healthcare and take control of your life even if you have arthritis.