The mechanical construction of our body allows many bones to meet with each other in so-called joints. To avoid friction and strain during movements, the ends of the bones are covered with an elastic tissue called cartilage. The synovial membrane covers the inner surfaces of the joint cavity. This membrane secretes a fluid that lubricates the joint.
With the onset of arthritis the normal functions of the joints are impaired. They become inflamed, enlarged, and swollen. Or they may shrivel up and dry. The cartilages lose their elasticity and become dry and brittle. The secretions of the synovial membrane may diminish and with progression of the disease cease completely. The joints thus will dry out, become congested, rough, and stiff. Also the ligaments and the muscles, which surround the joint, become affected, inflamed, and progressively lose their tone and flexibility.
These symptoms are followed by profound and destructive changes in the joints. Due to faulty metabolism, excessive amounts of calcium and other minerals are deposited in the joints. Sometimes osteoporosis, or leaching of the calcium and other minerals from the bones, can cause severe destruction of bones and joints.
All these changes are usually accompanied by swelling and increasing pain during motion. Eventually the pain becomes so unbearable that the patient will be unable to move the affected parts of his body.
If further development is not checked and effectively treated in time, complete destruction of the joint often will be the ultimate result.
Many systemic disorders could be associated with the onset of arthritis. Digestive disorders are often present in the history of the arthritic. Constipation is often prevalent for many years before the actual arthritic symptoms begin to show up. General fatigue; physical and emotional stresses; lack of sufficient rest; nutritional deficiencies; glandular disorders, particularly in the endocrine system; unchecked infectious conditions; all could occur long before the final symptoms in the joints show up.
Therefore it is important to realize that if arthritis is to be successfully treated, the systemic nature of the disease must be recognized and the abnormal conditions and disorders of the body corrected. Unless the close relationship between the general health of the individual and his arthritis symptoms is fully recognized, all attempts to cure arthritis will be futile.
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