We often talk about arthritis as if it is a singular ailment that simply causes joint pain and discomfort. Did you know, though, that in reality, there are over 100 different types of arthritis?
Arthritis is actually a catch-all term. It refers to any disease or condition that primarily causes inflammation, stiffness, and/or pain in the joints. Many of these conditions have a variety of other various symptoms and the methods for treating them differ by type.
Are you experiencing joint pain? Then read on for information on the five most common types of arthritis and different types of arthritis pain management.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease and the one you’re most likely to be familiar with. It occurs when the cartilage protecting a joint wears down over time, allowing the bones of the joint to rub together, causing pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis usually affects the hand, knee, hip, and spinal joints, but it can occur anywhere in the body. It isn’t possible to reverse the cartilage loss, but you can slow its degradation and manage the symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, in contrast to osteoarthritis, is an autoimmune disease. It causes your own immune system to attack the tissues around your joints. This can lead to pain, swelling, and joint deformities.
Being an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis often affects more than just your joints. Nearly half of people suffering from the disease also experience fatigue, muscle aches, fever, and problems in other bodily tissue.
Psoriatic Arthritis
This type of arthritis develops in some people who suffer from the skin disease, psoriasis. Most people who develop psoriatic arthritis experience symptoms of psoriasis first.
Psoriatic arthritis, like psoriasis, can cause painful, swollen, and warm joints. The arthritic condition, however, also causes swollen fingers and toes, foot pain, and lower back pain.
Gout
Gout is characterized by sharp, sudden attacks of severe pain, swelling, and tenderness of a joint. It can occur in any joint of the body, but most often affects the joint at the base of the big toe.
Gout occurs when uric acid accumulates excessively in the body, leading to the formation of urate crystals. These needle-like crystals build up in joints and cause gout attacks.
Uric acid comes from excessive meat, fish, and fructose consumption.
Lupus
Lupus is an arthritic condition that can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Because every case of lupus is different, it can be difficult to diagnose. However, many cases involve a facial rash in the shape of a butterfly.
Lupus is another autoimmune disease, meaning it causes your immune system to attack your own tissues.
Living With Arthritis
No form of arthritis can be cured, but the symptoms can usually be managed. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of arthritis you have, but many types include similar medications.
For example, doctors frequently prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage all of the ailments on this list.
Other anti-inflammatory substances, such as activated turmeric supplements, are often suggested to help manage the symptoms of arthritis. If you are suffering from arthritis pain and haven’t tried a natural remedy, they are available now.
Take Care of Your Health
Managing any type of arthritis is important because many can become debilitating if left alone. Don’t wait to consult your physician if you have experienced arthritis symptoms.
Check out our Health section for more tips and information!
Description: Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints, and it is more common than you may expect. Learn about the 5 most common types of arthritis here.
