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 What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term covering more than 150 different conditions. About one person in 8 in the world will be affected by one form or another. Although
the word may conjure up visions of elderly citizens confined to wheelchairs, unable to do anything for themselves, 2 out of every 3 people with arthritis are
under the age of 65 and mostly lead normal, or near-normal, lives. Arthritis means inflammation in joints. The usual symptoms are pain and stiffness and sometimes swelling.
How are the joints affected?
Joints are places where one bone moves against another. The surface of the
bone in these situations is covered with cartilage, a smooth 'gristly' material. The whole joint is contained in a capsule, which is lined with a tissue called
the synovial membrane. This membrane secretes a fluid—synovial fluid—which lubricates the cartilages' surfaces as they move against each
other, rather like oil lubricating the pistons in an engine, allowing them to slide smoothly. Arthritis occurs when something is wrong in this system.
Common forms of arthritis
Of the many types of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis. Sometimes
called degenerative arthritis, this can be thought of as the 'wear and tear' form of the disease. It tends to affect people as they get older and particularly
affects joints that have to take a lot of stresses and strains, such as the weight-bearing joints in the hips and knees. The lower back, neck and hands are also commonly
affected. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage surfaces are damaged and worn, sometimes to the point where the underlying bone surfaces are in direct contact with each other.
In rheumatoid arthritis the main problem is inflammation of the synovial membrane, and in gout
(which many people don't realise is a form of arthritis), inflammation occurs in the synovial fluid due to tiny crystals of uric acid.
The treatment of arthritis 
There are many aspects to the treatment of arthritis.
- Apply VITAFON Apparatus Vibroacoustic's Vibraphones after selecting the related pre-progranmed operation on the sick aria. Folow the instruction manual for treatment sessions.
- Also exercise is very important because it increases lubrication of the joints and strengthens the surrounding muscles, putting less stress on joints.
Can special diets treat arthritis?
Because arthritis is a common, chronic, disease there are many old wives'
tales about effective treatments. In particular, special diets or particular foods may be recommended. There is little scientific evidence that diet can affect arthritis. Overweight people
should try to lose some weight through dieting, but people should beware of paying high prices for special foods or supplements sold as 'cures' for arthritis.
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