Spinach, walnuts, garlic and broccoli can reduce inflammation, a symptom of arthritis. Valley News/Courtesy photo
TEMECULA – A leading cause of disability in the United States and elsewhere, arthritis can be a debilitating disease. Pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms, and millions of people seek relief from arthritis every year.
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease of old age. The Arthritis Foundation said one in every five adults has arthritis, two-thirds of whom are under the age of 65. In a 2008 Canadian Community Health Study, 15.3% of Canadians aged 12 or older reported a diagnosis of arthritis, and even children can suffer from arthritis.
A complex family of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis consists of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues. This degeneration can compromise physical moveme