Arthritis and You

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the U.S. with more than 40 million people diagnosed; that number is expected to rise as baby boomers continue to age. Yet few understand what arthritis really is, how it develops, and what sufferers can do to minimize its impact on daily activities and quality of life. Here, Naheed Ali weighs in with insight into the inner workings of arthritis and the treatment options available to patients.
By first defining arthritis, and examining its causes and symptoms, Ali provides readers with the knowledge they need to understand what is going on in their bodies, what they can do if they suspect they have arthritis, and how to prevent it if they don't. He examines the various types of arthritis - from juvenile to rheumatoid and beyond - and the various medical practitioners involved in its diagnosis and treatment. Building on the current medical treatments available, Ali offers information about alternative and natural approaches, as well as lifestyle adjustments helpful in mitigating the symptoms. Whole family approaches that include caregivers and what they can do for their loved ones suffering from arthritis are also discussed. Readers will appreciate the comprehensive and thoughtful approach Ali takes to his topic, and will come away with the tools they need to live well with arthritis.

George A. Dunn is a special research fellow at the Institute for Globalizing Civilization in China.

Contents
Preface
Part 1: Groundwork
1 Introduction to Rheumatism
2 Understanding Bone and Joint Health
3 The Real Meaning and History of Arthritis
4 Anatomy and Pathology of Arthritis
Part 2: Clinical Picture
5 Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis
6 Diagnosing Arthritis
7 The Roles of Internists and other Physicians in Arthritis
Part 3: Many Faces of Arthritis
8 Rheumatoid Arthritis
9 Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
10 Osteoarthritis
11 Psoriatic Arthritis
12 Septic Arthritis and Reactive Arthritis
13 Enteropathic Arthritis
14 Related Manifestations
Part 4: Resolutions
15 Initial Approaches to Rheumatic and Joint Problems
16 Pharmacological Arthritis Treatments
17 Natural Arthritis Treatments and Surgery
18 Addressing the Mental Aspects
19 Exercises for Arthritis
20 Approaching Arthritis at Home
21 Finding Motivation
Part 5: Wrap-up
22 Collective Efforts
23 Conclusion
Appendix A: Arthritis-related Links
Appendix B: Research and Training
Appendix C: Arthritis Organizations
Appendix D: Nationally Recognized Arthritis Clinics
Appendix E: For Further Reading
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
About the Author