Things To Know About 5 Major Types Of Arthritis

Do you think that arthritis is a single condition?. The answer is ‘NO’. Actually, there are more than a hundred types of arthritis. If arthritis is diagnosed early, treatment options can successfully manage the condition. Here are the things you need to know about 5 major types of arthritis. 

5 Major Types Of Arthritis: 

Osteoarthritis:

What & Why Does It Occur?

Globally, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joints gets damaged. Slowly, the damage can progress to bones. Older and middle-aged adults are more likely to develop this arthritis. The most commonly affected parts are the hips, knees, hands, and spine.

Wear and tear of joints over time and overuse of the joints due to squatting and knee-bending from some occupations can damage the cartilage and cause osteoarthritis. Joint injury and other joint abnormalities such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis can also cause osteoarthritis. Some genes inherited from parents and excess weight are the risk factors for developing osteoarthritis. 

Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis You Should Be Aware Of:

• Pain in the affected joints
• Joint stiffness, particularly after being inactive or after sleep
• Grinding sensation of the joint when moved
• Not able to move the joint over time
• Swelling around the joints
• You might feel a hard lump around the affected joint which are extra parts of the bone

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ra):

What & Why Does It Occur?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder meaning that the immune system (disease-fighting system) mistakenly attacks the healthy cells of our body. The lining of the joint capsule (the thick fluid which holds the bone joints in place) is damaged in RA, and the damage may eventually cause bone erosion. 

RA can affect other body parts such as skin, eyes, heart, lungs, blood, or kidneys. Researchers still don’t know why the immune system attacks abnormally in some people. Smoking, a family history of arthritis, and excess weight may increase the risk of this condition.

The joints which are commonly affected by this disease are hands, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists, and feet. Unlike other arthritis types, it can affect the same joints on both sides of the body. Women are 2.5 times more likely to develop this disorder than men. Most commonly affected individuals are between the ages 20 and 50, though it can occur at any age. 

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis You Should Be Aware Of:

In rheumatoid arthritis, disease flares (periods with symptoms) alternate with periods of rest.

• Swelling of similar joints on both sides of the body
• Pain and tenderness in more than one joint
• Tiredness or weakness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Joint stiffness usually worsens in the morning or after inactivity

Psoriatic Arthritis 

What & Why Does It Occur?

Psoriatic arthritis is one of the common types of arthritis. It is a chronic condition affecting joints that develop in some people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by red, itch, and scaly patches on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. But some people develop Psoriatic arthritis first, without ever developing or noticing psoriasis. 

Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. This arthritis can affect any body part. Although adults aged between 30 and 50 are more commonly affected by this disorder, even children can also get affected. People having a family history of psoriasis or arthritis are at increased risk of developing this condition. Obesity, infection, or injury may also trigger this disease. 

 Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis You Should Be Aware Of:

• Swollen, painful and warm to touch joints, often in the toes and fingers
• Tenderness in the sole of the feet and back of the heel
• Nail changes (nails can separate from the nail bed, crumbling)
• Pain and redness of the eye
• Scaly inflamed patches of the skin
• Lower back pain
• Joint stiffness after periods of inactivity or in the morning

Gout 

What & Why Does It Occur?

Gout is one of the major types of arthritis which can cause sudden and excruciating joint pain. Our body produces uric acid normally during metabolism. But, when they are overproduced or less eliminated by kidneys, the high uric acid concentrations can accumulate in the joints and cause gout. 

The big toe is often affected by gout, but other parts such as knees, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, and elbow can also get affected. Unlike most types of arthritis, men are very likely to develop gouty arthritis. Diet high in animal proteins, alcohol consumption, menopause, extra weight, and some medical conditions can increase the risk of gout. 

 Symptoms Of Gout You Should Be Aware Of:

The episode of gout is called gout attack, and it can last around five to seven days. Between gout attacks, you may not have any symptoms. Some people have frequent gout attacks, while in others the episodes may occur once in years.

• Intense pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness in the affected joint
• Tenderness, even a light touch, can cause high discomfort
• Feeling of warmth, some people may describe their toes are on fire

Lupus 

What & Why Does It Occur?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), generally referred to as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain throughout the body. Joint pain and swelling (arthritis) are common in lupus. Women of child-bearing ages between fifteen and forty-five are accountable for 90% of the lupus cases. 

Like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, the overactive immune system attacks and causes inflammation. Lupus can attack many body parts, including the kidney, brain, heart, lungs, skin, and blood. Family history of lupus, sunlight exposure, some medications, or infections may trigger this disorder.

Symptoms Of Lupus You Should Be Aware Of:

Depending on the body organ affected, symptoms may vary. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Butterfly-shaped facial rash on cheeks and nose is the distinctive sign of lupus
• Swelling, pain, or stiffness in the joints
• Fever, fatigue
• Shortness of breath, chest pain
• Headaches, confusion, depression
• Anemia
• Dry eyes
• Mouth sores
• Sensitivity to sunlight

The First Step - Act On Your Pain Before It Acts On Your Mobility:

Arthritis has the potential to negatively impact your quality of life. However, early diagnosis, treatment and self-care can help you have a fulfilling and happy life. If you experience any joint pain, stiffness, swelling or other arthritis symptoms, get diagnosed immediately.