Common types of arthritis explained

Arthritis is a painful rheumatic disorder that causes inflammation of the joints. There are several varieties of arthritis that can affect the joints and other parts of the body and create symptoms comparable to pain, swelling, and stiffness.

There are about 100 distinct kinds of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis are all frequent kinds of arthritis (PsA).

These illnesses, as well as other diseases that might manifest as arthritis, are discussed further below. We also talk about various treatments and when to seek medical advice.

OA( Osteoarthritis )

OA affects nearly 32.5 million individuals in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms

• Pain and swelling in the joints are symptoms of OA.
• the rigidity of the joints
• restricted range of motion

OA symptoms are frequently felt in the hips, hands, and knees.

Risk elements

• The following factors enhance the risk of getting OA:
• Female obesity can cause joint overuse as a result of aging joint damage.
• an OA family history

RA (Rheumatoid)

RA is an autoimmune disease that causes severe joint swelling and inflammation. It is most commonly seen in the hands, wrists, and feet.

Symptoms

RA affects more than only the joints. It can also harm other organs of the body, including as the heart, lungs, and eyes.

While some patients have a steady course of the condition, the severity of symptoms generally fluctuates. Symptoms may include:

•  pain, stiffness, and swelling in several joints at the same time weariness
• fever and unexpected weight loss

Asymmetrical involvement is another feature of RA. This implies that pain and inflammation manifest on both sides of the body and in the same joints.

Complications

RA can cause long-term tissue damage, resulting in

• chronic discomfort, joint deterioration, deformity, or improper joint alignment.
• restricted joint mobility
• Some persons with RA may additionally require assistance walking.

Risk elements

Among the risk factors for RA are:

• being older, female, and having certain genes
• Smoking or being exposed to cigarette smoke at a young age, never having given birth, and being obese

PSA (Psoriatic )

PSA is an autoimmune disorder.

Symptoms

• PSA symptoms include joint swelling, discomfort, and stiffness.
• severe exhaustion
• alterations to the nails

The involvement of PsA joints is asymmetric, affecting distinct joints on either side of the body.

This kind of arthritis can occur in patients who have psoriasis, a skin ailment that creates scaly, flushed, or silvery areas of skin. Depending on the color of a person’s skin, these patches may appear differently.

 

Risk elements

Researchers are yet unsure what causes this kind of arthritis. Having a family history of PsA, on the other hand, may increase a person’s risk of developing the condition.

Gout

Gout is a kind of arthritis that produces severe swelling in a single joint.

Symptoms

Gout symptoms can appear and disappear fast. They are as follows:

• ache and swelling
• a joint that is hot to the touch and has flushed skin

The big toe is prone to swelling. It frequently affects the knee or ankle joint.

Risk elements

• A person is more likely to get gout if they
  are male, overweight, or obese,
•  and use certain drugs, such as diuretics or beta-blockers.
• consume alcoholic beverages
• Consume a diet high in purines or fructose.

 

Gout can be caused by a number of medical disorders, including:

• heart attack
• elevated blood pressure
• diabetes
• kidney disorder

Gout can also be caused by metabolic syndrome, which is not a disorder in and of itself. It refers to a set of qualities, diseases, or practices that might increase a person’s risk of developing additional health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.

Lupus

This chronic sickness is an autoimmune syndrome that primarily affects girls between the ages of 15 and 44.

Lupus is symptomsnot arthritis in and of itself. However, one of the most common  of this condition is arthritis.

Symptoms

The distinctive butterfly rash that can develop on the face is one of the lupus symptoms. Other rashes may appear on the arms, hands, and face. Sun exposure can aggravate rashes.

While symptoms vary from one to person, they commonly include:

• Muscle and joint discomfort
• during flare-ups, fever
• hair thinning
• chest discomfort
• renal problems
• mouth and nasal ulcers
• Anemia with persistent tiredness and cognitive difficulties
• Cold sensitivity with color changes in the hands and feet, eye discomfort, dryness, and inflammation

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Arthritis in children

Children and infants are affected by juvenile arthritis, also known as childhood arthritis.

Symptoms

• Juvenile arthritis symptoms include:
• joint pain
  and swelling joint
•  Stiffness
• a rash
•  fever 
• weariness 
• eye inflammation 
• loss of appetite
•  difficulties carrying out regular tasks

Cause

Childhood arthritis has no known cause. It appears to affect children of all races, ages, and backgrounds.

Diagnosis

It may take some time to reach a definitive diagnosis because many kinds of arthritis are similar or mimic other disorders.

• A doctor will often begin by reviewing a patient’s medical and family history. They will also inquire about symptoms and do a physical examination.
  They may do imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound scans.
• nerve examinations
• blood examinations
• joint fluid examinations
• Biopsies of the skin or muscles

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Treatment

The kind of arthritis determines how it is managed. There are several therapy options available.

Medications

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for the alleviation of pain and swelling caused by inflammation corticosteroid injections delivered by a physician topical pain relief creams and gel disease

-antirheumatic medicines with biologics

Surgery

Everyone with arthritis may not require surgery. However, it can help with specific arthritic symptoms such as joint misalignment and functional restrictions caused by damaged joints. It can also aid in the treatment of intractable pain, which is pain that is difficult to treat or control.

Common arthritis operations include 

• Foot, ankle, hand, and wrist surgery.
• Knee or hip replacement surgery

 

Rehabilitation treatment

People suffering from arthritis may benefit greatly from physical therapy. It can aid with pain relief or promote activity.

Getting regular exercise is one of the behavioral modifications that can assist with arthritis.

stopping smoking and, if appropriate, achieving or maintaining a healthy weight

by consuming a nutritious diet

Natural cures

Some people find that some home treatments might help relieve the pain and swelling associated with specific forms of arthritis. These might include

awareness techniques such as meditation massage and hot and cold treatment

When to See a Doctor

If a person develops joint problems that continue for more than three days, they should seek medical attention.

Similarly, if a person experiences joint issues many times in a month, they should see a doctor.

Suffering from arthritis

Chronic symptoms, such as pain and swelling, can be managed with medications and other therapies.

Many varieties of arthritis cause intermittent pain. Even if the discomfort goes away, a person should still seek therapy.

It is critical to treat arthritis as soon as possible. Some varieties of arthritis may develop over time and cause irreversible impairment if left untreated.

Summary

Arthritis is a painful disorder that causes inflammation of the joints.

Different forms of arthritis might create symptoms that seem similar. The right diagnosis is critical since it can assist decide the most effective treatment choices.

The appropriate therapy can also help a person live a more active life by preventing future issues.