| There are several different types of arthritis, but the | | | | Osteoarthritis |
| three most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid | | | | What it is: Most of the time, this is caused by general |
| arthritis and gout. Heredity may play a part in all | | | | wear and tear on your joints or by injuries. However, |
| three, but there are a few things you can do to | | | | if your grandmother had it, chances are good you will |
| minimize the risk and/or damage they cause. | | | | develop it as well. This is even more likely if you're |
| Te first thing you need to do is find out what | | | | female. The cartilage in the joints start to wear out |
| type(s) of arthritis you're at risk for. Mitigating the | | | | and bits of it may break off. This can cause pain and |
| risks differ between the three types, as does | | | | swelling. Osteoarthritis can strike any joint, including |
| treatment. If you can no longer find out from your | | | | the vertebrae. If it gets bad enough, joint |
| family, you may be able to get more information by | | | | replacement may be required. |
| talking to your doctor. The doctor also needs to be | | | | What you can do: Your doctor may suggest you |
| aware of your family history. | | | | start taking calcium supplements to prevent or put |
| Gout | | | | off onset. It's also a good idea to take care of your |
| What it is: This is usually considered a metabolic | | | | joints. Watch repetitive injury problems, wear shoes |
| disorder as well as a form of arthritis. It is caused by | | | | that will provide cushioning as well as support and try |
| uric acid crystals in your joints, usually striking the | | | | not to do high impact activities. If you choose to do |
| right big toe first. It is extremely painful, walking may | | | | the latter, ask your coach or your doctor how to |
| be difficult or impossible. Uric acid is a waste product | | | | mitigate this impact to prevent damage. |
| from purine, a substance found in most proteins. It is | | | | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| usually filtered out by the kidneys, but if there is a lot | | | | What is it: RA is an auto-immune disorder. Your |
| or the kidneys have been damaged, it circulates | | | | body's immune system doesn't recognize the joints |
| through the blood. As it does so, it clumps together | | | | as part of the body and attack. It can strike any |
| in crystals. | | | | joint and at any age, child or adult. Usually, the smaller |
| What you can do: Moderating the amount and type | | | | joints are attacked first, though all are at risk. |
| of protein you consume is a good place to start. | | | | What you can do: Early, aggressive treatment is the |
| Organ meat is the highest in purine, making it the | | | | best way to mitigate the damage this disease can |
| least desirable type of protein. There are lists on-line | | | | cause. Symptoms include pain in the joints, red and |
| of which foods contain what amount of purine. | | | | puffy hands, swelling in joints that is painful to the |
| Dehydration and some medications can also cause | | | | touch, fever and weight loss. Other symptoms may |
| the painful problem, including aspirin. | | | | also occur. |