Overview
Arthritis is one of the diseases that are slowly creeping into our societies and disabling our people. This is the disorder that is realized as inflammation of joints and that makes them painful and stiff. It also encompasses all rheumatic diseases that have an impact on joints, the tissues surrounding them and any other tissues that are connective. Arthritis can be caused by factors like age, genetic make-up, impaired metabolism, a faulty immune system and infections. For the longest time, this disorder has been viewed as a reserve for the elderly but today it is affecting all people irrespective of their ages.
This disease has no absolute treatment and can only be managed and controlled. This is usually done through the use of a variety of health products, diet, exercise, and therapies. However, before any management procedure is taken, it is paramount to identify which one of the 200 plus types of arthritis is facing you. This is because this disorder can be realized in different ways. Its symptoms can also be different indifferent people.
Now, all these varieties cannot have the same probability of occurring in people. This is why it is possible to rank them regarding their likelihood of affecting people. Among the most common types are:
1. Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis is caused by the wearing of cartilage in your joints due to over use. Cartilage refers to the connective tissue in your joints that absorbs any impact directed at the joint by activities like jogging. It helps ease movement and protects the joints from any form of damage. When the cartilage has reduced the bone underneath it is damaged leading to pain in your joints, swelling and general stiffness. These symptoms are noticed in joins such as the neck, thumb, lower back, knees, and hips.
These symptoms may initially show after any form of muscle movement but over time, they may become severe. Some of the factors that can lead to this type of arthritis include previous joint injuries, age, and genes. The risk is much higher for people who are overweight as their weight will be placing excessive pressure on their joints thus increasing the chances of the cartilage wearing out. This is why patients with this common types of arthritis are usually advised to keep a keen watch on their weight because any increase in weight can cause further damage.
Treatment here involves exercises and weight management routines. However, patients may be forced to take absolute rest to avert any further damage.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
This type finds its point of uniqueness in the fact that it is the most common and probably the most dangerous type of arthritis. It mostly affects the small joints and can lead to you being unable to carry out normal routines. Common symptoms here will include pain in the joints, stiffness, and swelling that is warm to the touch. These effects are normally brought forth by the malfunctioning of your immune system. This will happen when your immune system fails to recognize your joints and attacks them. This attack leads to inflammation. This malfunction has been said to be caused by either your genetic composition or environmental effects. The disease may end up in heart disease, inflammation of the lungs and a reduction in the red blood cells in your body. It can, however, be managed through exercises and medication. Exercise is particularly important because these signs are known to worsen after long periods of remaining immobile.
3. Psoriatic arthritis
This is a type of arthritis that mostly develops in people who have suffered from the psoriasis skin disease. Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition where a person gets red itchy and scaly patches on the skin. Psoriatic arthritis on its side will be characterized by pain and swelling of the joints affected. You will also feel overly exhausted regardless of how long you rest.
This disorder will also cause swellings on the toes and fingers as well as scaly patches on the skin. There being no known cause, the disease has been attributed to genetic factors and is controlled using measures that reduce inflammation.
Video: Psoriatic Arthritis: Causes and Treatments You Really Need to Know
Conclusion
Though arthritis is perceived as a single disorder by most people, the truth is that it encompasses more than 200 hundred different conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. Among these numerous types, psoriatic osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common. Based on the above scrutiny it is clear that though they all cause joint pains, they are different.