While there are many different types of arthritis, most people don’t realize that there are over 100 types of arthritis.
5 most common types of Arthritis:
- 1. Osteoarthritis
- 2.Rheumatoid arthritis
- 3.Fibromyalgia
- 4.Gout
- 5.Lupus
Other types of Arthritis:
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100 Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease that affects a person’s joints, bones, ligaments, and muscles. It can be painful and debilitating, but it can also be treatable and manageable. The most common types of arthritis are Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. In this article we will look at the different types of arthritis and some of their symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones breaks down and causes pain in the joint. It is a progressive disease that affects many people and is generally associated with the aging process. However, osteoarthritis can occur in younger people as well.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by swelling, pain, and decreased range of motion. Although there is no known cure for the disease, treatment can slow its progression and limit pain.
Inflammatory arthritis is another type of arthritis. This disease is caused by an overactive immune system. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and swelling.
Some types of inflammatory arthritis are more serious and cause more pain than other types. Pain may also be spread to other areas of the body. Usually, inflammatory arthritis is less common than osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed by a physician based on symptoms and a history of pain. X-rays can help identify the joints affected. Doctors may also perform a fluid analysis to check for inflammation and gout. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test can show detailed images of the bone.
In some cases, a doctor will perform surgery on the affected joints. These surgeries can involve fusion or joint replacement. The surgery comes with a risk of infection and blood clots.
Other treatments may be needed to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed. Patients may also be given a corticosteroid injection. Topical medications are sometimes applied to the skin to relieve pain. Physical therapy is also an option. By bringing blood and nutrients to the joints, physical therapy can increase mobility and decrease joint stress.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of the synovium, the lining of joints. In RA, the immune system attacks the synovial membrane mistakenly as an infection, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
This chronic condition can result in severe pain, joint swelling, and reduced function. Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis. There are over 100 types, and each one has its own set of symptoms.
RA is a systemic illness, meaning it can affect many parts of the body. It typically begins slowly, and a pattern of symptoms may appear over months or years. Other signs can include loss of weight, fatigue, and decreased appetite.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose, but physical exams can be performed to determine if you have it. Your doctor will be able to prescribe medications that help relieve your pain and improve your overall physical function. Some people with RA may also need surgery to treat the disorder.
The inflammation caused by RA can lead to other problems, including entrapment neuropathies. Entrapment neuropathies are neurologic symptoms resulting from inflamed edematous tissue.
Another form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints, often as a result of age or injury. As the cartilage deteriorates, the joint space narrows and the bones begin to grate against each other. Pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion can make activities like standing, walking, and even sleeping impossible.
Osteoarthritis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicines. However, hyaluronic acid therapy is also an option. A doctor can inject hyaluronic acid into the joints to reduce pain and swelling. Depending on the type of arthritic disease, surgery may be needed to treat the disorder.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints. It often presents after age 30. However, it can occur at any age. There is no cure for the disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can help control it. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and to keep the condition from worsening.
Medications for psoriatic arthritis include anti-inflammatory drugs. Corticosteroids and biologics may be prescribed to ease symptoms. Other therapies may include physical therapy. Occupational therapy can also help patients manage the condition.
In addition to treating musculoskeletal symptoms, the rheumatologist will need to evaluate the patient for comorbid conditions. Patients with psoriatic arthritis should be closely monitored. If the condition is severe, surgery may be required.
Early diagnosis can slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis. Radiographic tests can be used to identify joints that are affected. MRI can also be helpful. Some of the early signs of joint inflammation are fluid surrounding the joint, such as uric acid crystals.
A rheumatologist will design a treatment plan for the patient. Non-pharmacological measures such as weight loss and smoking cessation can also be effective. Physical therapy can also improve quality of life. Medications for psoriatic diseases can include immunosuppressive agents such as MTX.
In some cases, an intra-articular injection of corticosteroids can be effective. However, the drug must be taken with caution. Taking it long-term may result in significant side effects.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are another option. They can be self-injected or administered as an infusion. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, they can help slow the progress of the disease. DMARDs are also available as pills.
In addition to managing the musculoskeletal symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, the patient may need additional care for other comorbid conditions. Managing these conditions can be difficult. This is why it is important for patients to seek the services of a rheumatologist.
Lupus arthritis
Lupus arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis. It is characterized by swelling and redness in the joints. The inflammation can also affect other parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys, and skin.
Generally, the symptoms of lupus tend to disappear as soon as the condition is under control. However, there are times when the symptoms can become severe. There are a variety of ways to treat lupus and some drugs may be prescribed to control symptoms.
Arthritis is an umbrella term for many types of joint conditions. Some of the most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Each type of arthritis has its own set of symptoms. In addition to pain and swelling, joint damage can occur, making it difficult for the patient to move.
Various treatments are available to manage the pain and inflammation associated with lupus. These drugs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), DMARDs, and biologics.
When a person with lupus has a flare-up, they can experience extreme pain. The condition can also lead to bleeding and damage to the blood vessels and kidneys. This can cause anemia and make people more prone to angina.
Arthritis can also have a negative impact on other areas of the body. For instance, patients with lupus often have lower platelet counts. Other symptoms include swelling of the spleen and lymph glands.
Lupus tends to be more common in women than men. It is most common in people of African or Caribbean descent. A butterfly-shaped rash is another symptom of lupus.
Aside from inflammation, lupus can also damage the kidneys and liver. Although the disease is not curable, lupus treatment can alleviate the symptoms and slow the damage to joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation in the spine and neck. The condition is usually diagnosed by a rheumatologist. However, it can be difficult to identify if a person has AS. In addition, symptoms can vary from person to person.
AS affects about one in ten people and can cause a lot of pain. Some symptoms include stiffness, joint swelling, and redness in the affected area. People with AS may also experience problems in the pelvis, shoulder, knees, hips, ankles, and feet.
In addition, the disease can cause bone fusion and spinal deformity. It can also cause infections, including in the bladder, bowel, and sexual organs.
Treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-inflammatory drugs called steroid tablets, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients can also use physical therapy and exercise.
For some people, a surgical procedure to replace the joints of the hips and/or knees can help reduce pain and improve mobility. However, patients should talk to a rheumatologist before undergoing this procedure.
Other treatments include physiotherapy and occupational health services. Many people with ankylosing spondylitis continue to use aquatic therapy to strengthen their spine and hips.
Getting good sleep and exercising regularly can help manage the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Good posture is also helpful. This can help reduce the risk of developing long-term side effects.
If you have ankylosing spondylitis, you should speak with your doctor about how you can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. You can also contact the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society for more information. They offer a mobile app to help you find treatment options and exercise classes.
https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/most-common-arthritis-types
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/understanding-pain/sources-of-arthritis-pain