The “People Power” Health Superbook: Book 8. Arthritis - Rheumatism Guide

Arthritis, one of the oldest disease known to mankind, is the inflammation of one or more joints. It occurs in all ethnic races at all times of the life-cycle. Decline in joint function generally begins at age 30 if you don't exercise. No one really knows the exact cause of this painful and disabling disease, however, there are three theories: Infection. Body's own defenses go out of line and attack its own tissues. Atrophy of joints due to little use. Experts believe that emotional stress plays a very important role in the cause of arthritis. Arthritis usually begins with a morning stiffness in the joints brought on by a life of hard work and/ or former injuries. Nearly 40 million Americans have some form of arthritis. The general term arthritis includes over 100 kinds of rheumatic diseases most of which last for life.