Since there are a large number of different Arthritis types in this article we will cover some of the most common ones to choose the appropriate treatments.
Joint inflammation known as arthritis can result in crippling joint discomfort. Arthritis and associated disorders come in more than 100 different varieties.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in America suffer from arthritis. The reasons and available treatments for each kind of arthritis differ.
Knowing what sort of arthritis you have is crucial for choosing the appropriate management and treatment methods. Continue reading to find out more about the various varieties and how they differ.
Spondyloarthropathies
Autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and others target the points on your bones where your tendons and ligaments attach. Pain and stiffness, particularly in your lower back, are symptoms.
Since, AS is the most prevalent of these disorders, your spine will probably be the most affected. Although it can affect other joints in the body, it typically primarily affects the spine and pelvis.
Peripheral joints, such as those in your hands and feet, might be impacted by other spondyloarthropathies. Bone fusion may take place in AS, which will distort your spine and make your shoulders and hips dysfunctional.
Ankylosing spondylitis is hereditary. Most people who develop AS have the HLA-B27 gene. You’re more likely to have this gene if you have AS. It’s also more common in men than women.
Other spondyloarthritic diseases are also associated with the HLA-B27 gene, including:
- reactive arthritis, formerly known as Reiter’s syndrome
- psoriatic arthritis
- enteropathic arthropathy, associated with the gastrointestinal tract
- acute anterior uveitis
- juvenile ankylosing spondylitis
Juvenile arthritis (JA)
According to the Arthritis Foundation, 300,000 youngsters in the United States suffer from juvenile arthritis (JA).
JA is a catch-all name for a number of pediatric arthritic conditions. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most prevalent variety. These autoimmune diseases can have an effect on a child’s joints.
JIA first manifests in youngsters under the age of 16. It may lead to:
- muscle and soft tissue to tighten
- bones to erode
- growth patterns to change
- joints to misalign
Months of aching joints, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and fevers may indicate juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Other less common forms of JA include:
- juvenile dermatomyositis
- juvenile lupus
- juvenile scleroderma
- Kawasaki disease
- mixed connective tissue disease
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most prevalent kind of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), often known as degenerative arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 32 million people in the United States are affected (CDC)
Due to the breakdown of joint cartilage in OA, your bones begin to rub against one another and become inflamed, which results in discomfort, broken bones, and even the development of bone spurs.
On one side of the body, it may only affect one or two joints. Your risk of getting it can be increased by advanced age, obesity, accidents, family history, and repetitive joint use. Typical signs include:
- joint soreness
- morning stiffness
- lack of coordination
- increasing disability
A doctor will check your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if you have OA. They might request imaging tests like X-rays. To check for infection, they could also take a sample of fluid from the afflicted joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
An example of an autoimmune disease where the body targets healthy joint tissue is rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Morning stiffness and joint pain, generally in the same joint on both sides of your body, are classic RA symptoms. Eventually, joint abnormalities may appear.
In addition, you might experience additional symptoms in your skin, eyes, lungs, heart, or other body organs. Sjögren’s syndrome and RA frequently coexist. The lips and eyes get extremely dry due to this illness.
Other symptoms and complications include:
- sleep difficulties
- rheumatoid nodules under the skin and near joints, such as the elbow, that are firm to the touch and consist of inflamed cells
- numbness, warmth, burning and tingling in your hands and feet
Lupus erythematosus
Another autoimmune condition that can harm your joints and connective tissue is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Additionally, it can harm other organs, such as your skin, lungs, kidney, heart, and brain.
SLE is more common among women. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling. Other symptoms may include:
- chest pain
- fatigue
- fever
- uneasiness
- hair loss
- mouth sores
- facial skin rash
- sensitivity to sunlight
- swollen lymph nodes
As the condition worsens, you might experience increasingly distressing symptoms. SLE has varied effects on different people, but you can manage this condition by getting therapy as soon as feasible.
Gout
The buildup of urate crystals inside your joints leads to gout, a type of arthritis. Your chance of developing gout may increase if your blood uric acid levels are high.
Gout affects an estimated 3.9 percent of American adults or 5.9 percent of men and 2 percent of women. Your risk of having gout can be influenced by factors like age, nutrition, alcohol consumption, and family history.
Getting gout can hurt. The joint that is most likely to be impacted is the one at the base of your big toe, though other joints may also be impacted. You might feel pain, swelling, and redness in your toes, feet, ankles, knees, wrists, and hands.
An acute attack of gout can come on strong within a few hours and can linger for days to weeks. Gout can become more severe over time.
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Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a painful disorder that most frequently affects the fingers, but it can also affect other joints. Additionally, possible symptoms include pitting of the fingernails and pink, sausage-like fingers.
Your spine could be affected by the illness, which would result in damage akin to that from ankylosing spondylitis.
You have a possibility of getting PsA if you have psoriasis.
Infectious and reactive arthritis
An infection in one of your joints that results in pain or swelling is referred to as infectious arthritis. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi can all contribute to an infection. Your joints could become affected once it spreads from another area of your body. The symptoms of this type of arthritis frequently include a fever and chills.
When an infection in one area of your body prompts immune system malfunction and inflammation in a joint elsewhere in your body, reactive arthritis can result. Your bladder, gastrointestinal tract, or sexual organs are frequently infected.
Your doctor may request testing on blood, urine, and joint fluid samples in order to diagnose these disorders.
Conclusion
Consult your physician if you are suffering any symptoms, such as joint pain or stiffness. They can suggest a course of treatment and assist in determining the cause of your symptoms. Find natural pain treatment for arthritis in the meantime.