May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Led by the Arthritis Foundation, it’s an effort
to increase public awareness of all kinds of arthritis and the serious toll they take on American lives personally, socially, and economically. The point is also to raise awareness and funds for research, treatments, and cures.
I say “cures,” plural, because there are more than 100 types of arthritis. One single cure won’t do it. The types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, the most well-known and common; rheumatoid arthritis; gout; psoriatic arthritis; polyarthritis rheumatica; and many, many others. Injury or infection are behind some types of arthritis.
That’s the thing: each type has a different underlying cause, ranging from normal wear and tear with aging to high levels of uric acid in the blood. What they have in common is joint inflammation—arthritis—as a major symptom.
I have rheumatoid “arthritis.” I prefer to call it rheumatoid “disease.” Why?
I explain at RheumatoidArthritis.net.
RheumaBlog 
Hi Wren. So glad that you mentioned how eyes can be affected. about 2 years ago I suffered an isolated attack of optic neuritis. Trying to explain to people what I have gone through since then with DAILY problems from RD as a single parent has become tiring. Your posts are very helpful
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Just inquired about a new study offer that came in the mail.Turns out it’s merely drug testing, you either get the test drug or a placebo. No, thanks. On their web page all they note is that RA affects the joints. Nothing about the systemic effects of this disease, which I agree should be renamed for what it is. So much needs to be taught.
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I’ve been learning about natural ways of improving symptoms. Have you ever tried ginger? It’s been helping to reduce inflammation in my back and knees. I’ve even been able to give my daughter piggyback rides sometimes. 🙂
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