Arthritis affects more than 50 million people in the United States, and more than 300,000 children every year. It can be extremely painful and affect everyday activities, or it can go unnoticed for years. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, which affects the tissues surrounding them. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Treatment options depend on the type of arthritis you have, but most forms of arthritis are treatable with a doctor’s guidance.
There are five main types of arthritis, each with subtypes. The first step in identifying the most common type is to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Some types of arthritis will develop symptoms almost immediately, while others may take years to manifest. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is caused by a breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Without the cartilage, the bones start grating against each other. The resulting inflammation will cause redness and swelling.
Some patients may experience a combination of different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and lupus are the most common. Osteoarthritis affects the joints and causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. This type of arthritis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking normal tissue. If not treated, the damage can lead to damaged kidneys, blood, and joints. While there is no cure for arthritis, proper pain management will make life better for people suffering from this joint condition.
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects around 30% of people who suffer from psoriasis. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness in the morning, and finger swelling. It also affects the skin and eye. Symptoms can range from minor to severe, and the best treatment depends on the type of arthritis you have. For more information, visit your doctor to get diagnosed. Once you’ve had a diagnosis, you’ll be able to enjoy a life of maximum health.
There are a number of different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that develops over time due to repetitive joint use. Some people are born with this type of arthritis, but it can also occur from certain injuries and diseases. As we get older, we tend to put extra stress on our joints, which leads to the loss of our body’s shock absorber – cartilage. Without cartilage, the joints are no longer able to absorb shocks, and the result is painful, debilitating pain.
Other forms of arthritis affect joints of the arms, legs, and feet. Osteoarthritis, for instance, affects the entire joint, affecting the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing joint damage and persistent inflammation. The symptoms of this disease are often severe and can even affect internal organs such as the heart and kidneys.