Arthritis can be caused by a variety of diseases. Many people think arthritis refers to pain and inflammation in the joints. However, arthritis is a more complex medical condition. The Latin phrase “arth” which means joint and “it” which means inflammation is the origin of arthritis. There are more than 100 diseases that can be associated with arthritis. Arthritis can be as simple as tendonitis or as severe as rheumatoid.
Osteoarthritis
It is the most common form of arthritis. This degenerative joint disease is affecting more than 16 million Americans.This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage around the bones starts to degenerate, and the joints no longer have cushioning. The joints rub together, and in extreme cases, the bones can grate against each other. Osteoarthritis usually presents as mild symptoms, consisting of stiffness and pain in the joints. As the disease progresses, inflammation can develop and there may be a loss of motion. Deformity can occur in severe cases if the grinding joints wear more on one side of the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
is the second most common form of arthritis, and the most severe. Symptoms typically begin between the ages 25 and 50. However, it can also occur in children and seniors. Rheumatoid is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid is a form of autoimmune arthritis. This is because other factors than wear and tear on cartilage can trigger the disease. The disease can also affect other organs such as the eyes and lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints and cause a general feeling of sickness. Rheumatoid can be a debilitating condition. However, patients can experience periods where the symptoms disappear and they are able to live a normal lifestyle.
Fibromyalgia
It is a form of arthritis that doesn’t directly affect the joints. Instead, inflammation and pain affect muscles, ligaments and tendons as well as soft tissues under the skin. Many sufferers have tender spots under their skin that ache when pressure is applied. Fibromyalgia symptoms include deep muscle pain, fatigue and sleeplessness. While symptoms may be temporary, the disease is chronic and long-lasting.
Other Types Of Arthritis
- Anklyosing Spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that affects the spine. Common symptoms include stiffness and lower back pain that lasts more than three months, difficulty sleeping and fatigue.
- Gout – This disease affects the big toe joints, but can also affect the ankles and fingers, knees, wrists, elbows, and heels. Common symptoms include tenderness, pain and redness as well as warmth and swelling. Infectious arthritis – This type of arthritis can be caused by both bacterial or viral infections. Infectious arthritis can be sudden and symptoms include swelling, warmth, tissue fluid leakage, fever, chills, soreness and warmth.
- Cervical arthritis – This type of arthritis affects your upper back and can cause pain in your neck and arms. When the cartilage that supports the neck is worn down, cervical arthritis occurs. Chronic neck pain is the most common symptom. However, it can also cause loss of balance, stiffness, muscle weakness, and muscle weakness.
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects children. Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by swelling, pain, stiffness, and stiffness in the joints. Children often feel worse when they wake up in the morning or after a nap. There is no known cause for arthritis in children. Children sometimes outgrow the disease, and the symptoms disappear.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many types arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints and muscles. You should consult your doctor if you suspect you may have arthritis. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.