Types of Arthritis

What Are The Different Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and is usually illustrated by pain as its main symptom. Another word for Arthritis is Rheumatism or less frequently used term – arthralgia which only refers to joint pain.

There is more than 100 different types of arthritis every one of them has specific causes, signs, symptoms, and of course treatments. Yet, all diseases related to arthritis have some symptoms that are very similar. They all affect the joints and cause inflammation, movement loss and pain.

Main Types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can either be the consequence of obesity, heredity, injury and some other reasons. It is typically distinguished by cartilage breakdown. When this occurs both bone ends rub together resulting in pain, stiffness, movement loss, and swelling. Joints that bear big weight like the hips, knees, spine, and ankles are particularly affected by osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the second most common type of arthritis. In RA, the immune system work against the body causing inflammation or swelling starting in the synovium or joint lining. This then reaches cartilage and then the bones. In most cases, Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints symmetrically on both opposite sides equally.

Psoriatic arthritis is another type of the ailment. This type of arthritis happens in people who have a skin condition known as psoriasis. This disorder sets in the toes and fingers and creates rough, scaly, and red patches on the neck, elbow and knees.

Juvenile arthritis is universal name used to describe any type of arthritis that can develop in children ages 16 and younger. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common and it is associated with swollen ankles, toes, elbows, and shoulders and pain. The other symptoms may be chills, intermittent fever and body rash. Its cause is still unknown.

Septic arthritis (Infectious arthritis) is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. These pathogenic organisms grow in the body and live in the joints causing the inflammatory response, fever and loss of function of the joint.

Gout is caused by uric acid accumulation in the joint usually the wrists, knees, and even the bunion joint. These create needle-like crystal deposits which cause pain and hindrance to the affected joints. These crystals cause inflammation and strong pain. Factors that may cause gout are diet, genetics, and some medications.

Ankylosing spondylitis is also one of the major types of arthritis . This is a chronic spinal inflammation. In this condition the vertebrae grow together and the spine becomes rigid. General cause of ankylosing spondylitis is still unknown, but heredity may be one of the causes.

Natural remedies for arthritis may be able to help with any of these conditions. Until you decide to try them we hope that at least reading the above information about types of arthritis was educational for you.