Arthritis refers to the swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. Arthritis is characterized by stiffness and joint pain, which can get worse with age. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
Crystals of uric acid cause gout. These crystals form when your body has too many uric acids. Other types of arthritis can be caused by infections or other underlying diseases such as Lupus or psoriasis.
Osteoarthritis leads to cartilage, the hard and slippery tissue covering the ends of bones, which form a joint to wear down. Rheumatoid is a condition, which makes our immune system attack the joints and surrounding structures. It starts with the lining of the joints.
The type of arthritis determines the treatment options be adopted for it. Arthritis treatments aim to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.
Types of Arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Gout
- Septic arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Thumb arthritis
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS
The signs and symptoms of arthritis will vary depending on what type of arthritis you have. The joints show the most common and the first signs and symptoms of arthritis.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Reduced and painful range of motion
- Redness
CAUSES OF OSTEOARTHRITIS
Both osteoarthritis (the main type of arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis (the secondary form) cause damages to the joints in different ways.
Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, our body’s immune system attacks the lining around the joint capsule, a tough membrane that surrounds all parts of the joint. Also known as the synovial membrane, this lining gets swollen and inflamed. Chronically, RA can eventually lead to the destruction of cartilage and bone in the joint.
Osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and it causes wear and tear to the cartilage, the hard, slick covering on the ends and bones of the joint. Although cartilage protects the ends of bones and allows for almost frictionless joint movement, enough damage can cause bone grinding and pain. This wear and tear may occur over many years or can be accelerated by an injury or infection to the joint.
Osteoarthritis can also go on to damage the whole joint. Osteoarthritis can cause changes in bones and degeneration of connective tissues, which attach muscle to bone and keep the joint intact. It can also cause inflammation of the joint lining.
RISK FACTORS OF ARTHRITIS
Family history: Certain types of arthritis are familial and run in the family history. If your siblings or parents have a family history of arthritis, there are very high chances that even you can be prone to developing it. Sometimes even environmental factors can trigger arthritis. Depending upon your genes, you may or may not be vulnerable.
Age: Old age increases the risk of developing all types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.
Sexuality: Rheumatoid is more common in women than it is in men. However, but gout (another type of arthritis) is found to be more prominent among men.
Past history of joint injury: People who have suffered a serious injury to a joint while playing a sport or as a result of an accident in the past are more likely eventually to develop arthritis.
Obesity: Excess body weight puts strain on your joints, especially knees, spine, and hips. Obese people are at greater risk of developing arthritis.
COMPLICATIONS OF ARTHRITIS
In case of severe arthritis to hands or arms, it can lead to an incapability to perform daily tasks. Weight-bearing arthritis can make it difficult to walk comfortably and keep you straight. Sometimes, the joints can become twisted or deformed.
