Types of Arthritis

Published on: Feb 19 2011 by Shenron

The arthritis is a combination of two Greek terms, i.e. ‘arthro’ means joint and ‘itris’ means inflammation. So, the term as a whole means the inflammation of one or more joints. It is an umbrella term for 100 of different types of arthritis which targets the joints and cause redness, swelling, stiffness, heat and pain. The nature and intensity of different types of arthritis range from mild forms (bursitis and tendonitis) to severe crippling forms (Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis). There are few types of arthritis that can cause disorders such as systemic lupus Erythematosus and also pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. The pain caused by different types of arthritis is normally associated with the inflammation of the joints. Mostly, the elder people fall victim of the different types of arthritis; however, some types do affect the children as well. Arthritis is more common in people under 65 years of age.

Some of the different types of arthritis are given below with a brief description of their symptoms and treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is one of the most severe inflammatory types of arthritis. It is considered as the prototypical autoimmune type of arthritis which influences about 1 percent of the total population. Its early diagnosis and treatment is very vital as it can cause the death if one doesn’t pay any attention to it.

Psoriatic arthritis: It is another severe type of arthritis which affects a person along with psoriasis. It is known to develop slyly in the patient as a result patient often comes to know about the symptoms of this arthritis very late. The treatment is possible if diagnosed in its early stage.

Osteoarthritis: It is often related to the aging process. This type of arthritis usually attacks the areas which are known as weight bearing on the body like knees, hips, feet, base of thumbs and spine. In this type of arthritis, genetics and mechanical factors have an important role to play. A lot of research work has been done to devise the ways to control the growth of the disease and its treatment.

Polymyalgia rheumatic: It is most common in the people above the age of 50. It is associated with stiffness and aching in neck, shoulders and hips. Its symptoms are often mistaken with the symptoms of other types so it is important to have a proper diagnosis of the disease to control it.

Ankylosing spondylitis: This type of arthritis is related to the spine and sacroiliac joints. Low back pain is its prominent symptom. On time diagnosis and proper kind of therapy is important for the treatment of this type.

Reactive arthritis: This sort of arthritis is often considered as the byproduct of infections as in case of intestinal or genitourinary infections. It is common in young adults. Proper diagnosis and treatment help preventing this arthritis type.

Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that is often associated with the deposition or depositing of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. The major areas that are affected by the disease are joints and kidneys. The physicians often recommend a proper dietary plan and medication for the treatment of this disease.

Pseudogout: This type of arthritis is associated with the depositing of the calcium pyrophosphate or hydroxypatite crystals. Pseudogout is often related with some of the other types like gout and theumatoid arthritis. Due to its close resemblance with other types, physicians often find it difficult to diagnose.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: It is known as a systemic disease that tends to influence several internal organ system, tissues, or even the entire body. It is most common in the women who are in their child bearing age. The treatment of this disorder depends solely on its early diagnosis and proper medication.

Polymyositis: It is also considered as a systemic disease in a sense that it can influence all the muscle in the body together with the muscles which are essential for the proper operating of hearts, lungs and so on. Due to this property it is known as a muscle disease.

Fibromyalgia: Soft tissue type of arthritis that is caused because of the flawed neurotransmitter function of brain. This disease is often associated with strange and weird symptoms because of the fact that neurotransmitters are the one that controls different sensory functions of the body.

Lyme disease: It is considered as the byproduct of an infection called Borrela burgdorferi. A deer tick bite is often causing this disease. It requires proper medication and antibiotic therapy for treatment.

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