Arthritis is a group of conditions that affect the bone. This disease affects more women then men. Almost one in 3 Americans have this disease in one form or another. Originating from the Greek word Arthro meaning joints, it can be both painful and debilitating.

Evidence of primary ankle osteoarthritis has been discovered in dinosaurs, however the first known traces of human arthritis date back as far as 4500 BC. This was proved in skeletal remains of Native Americans found in Tennessee and parts of what is now Olathe, Kansas. Throughout history, arthritis has been found from tzi, the name of a mummy (circa 3000 BC) found along the border of modern Italy and Austria, to the Egyptian mummies circ 2590 BC. Around 500 BC willow bark gained popularity when it was discovered that this bark could help relieve some of the aches and pains of arthritis. It wasn't until over 2000 years later in the early 1820s that European scientists began to scientifically study what the chemical compound was in willow bark that alleviated the arthritis symptoms. They discovered the compound was salicin.

When they isolated salicin, however, they found it was very noxious to the stomach. Almost 80 years later, in 1897, an employee of Bayer Company -- then
a dye production company -- named Felix Hoffman discovered how to isolate the compound and make it less irritating to the stomach. Hoffman was attempting
to make the drug in order to help his father who was suffering with arthritis. In 1899, Bayer Company trademarked Hoffman's discovery under the name "Aspirin."

There are many forms of arthritis. All types of this disease feature pain, which is generally worse in the morning and on initiating movement, and resolves in the course of time. In elderly people and children, the pain may not be the main feature, and the patient simply moves less (elderly) or refuse to use the affected limb (children).

When faced with a severe joint pain, the doctor will always want to understand if there is fever and if there are any other symptoms. By narrowing down the choices, he will determine one or 2 areas where the testing can be focused. However if a joint infection has occurred, then only an orthopaedic surgeon can help. He will have to analyze and clear for a joint wash out.

Arthritis can be cured through drugs, surgery or herbal means. Today, Yoga and other eastern exercises also treat arthritis. So there is no reasoned to lose heart if you have been diagnosed with that disease.