Understanding Different Types of Arthritis

 Arthritis goes beyond a simple medical condition. It is a lifelong journey that is marked by inflammation, pain and reduced mobility. Did you realize that there are over 100 different types of arthritis identified? This blog will examine the most common types, focusing specifically on those that are affecting the fingers, hands, knees and shoulders.

Types Of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

The most common type is when the cartilage cushions at the end of the bones begins to wear down. Degenerative, inflammatory arthritis can cause the joint to almost completely deteriorate. OA affects any joint. However, it is more common in knees. hips. hands and spine.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis can include joint deformities or enlargements, bone spurs formation, stiffness and swelling, as well as grating, grinding, or grating noises within the joint when moving.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the synovium, or the lining that surrounds the joints. It can lead to joint damage and inflammation. As the disease worsens, inflammation spreads throughout the body, causing systemic complications.

In addition to fatigue, rheumatoid symptoms include stiffness in the joints, swelling and joint pain.

Psoriatic Arthroritis (PsA),

PsA, which is associated with the skin disease psoriasis affects the skin as well as the joints. Joint pain, stiffness and swelling can be caused by PsA. This condition is often found on the fingers, toes. wrists, ankles and knees.

Other symptoms include joint pain and stiffness. There may also be red and scaly patches, or changes to the nails.

Click here to learn more about autoimmune disorders and the treatment programs at Plexus.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

AS affects primarily the spine. This can cause inflammation and lead to the possible fusion of vertebrae. It can cause a forward hunched posture, and limit mobility.

Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include back and neck pain, stiffness or fatigue, pain at other joints (shoulders knees ankles), enthesitis as well as unintentional weight loss, reduced mobility etc.

Gout

Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acids crystals within the joints. This causes severe and sudden joint pain and swelling. A common area affected is the big toe.

The symptoms of gout can include severe joint pain, swelling, heat and redness in the area of inflammation. Other symptoms may include fever, nighttime discomfort, and limited range of movement.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

JIA was formerly called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is a grouping of chronic arthritis conditions that affect children younger than 16 years old. It has several subtypes with different features.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis include joint stiffness and pain, heat and redness in the area of inflammation and fatigue. Other symptoms may include fever, rash and eye inflammation.

Lupus Associated Arthritis

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can lead to arthritis. Affected tissues include the joints, kidneys and blood cells. The brain, heart and lungs are also affected.

Some of the symptoms that are common in lupus associated arthritis include morning stiffness and photosensitivity.

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis can also be called Reiter's Syndrome. It develops in response to infection in another area of the body. It usually affects the eyes, joints, urinary and reproductive systems, and even the genital or urogenital system.

The most common symptoms of reactive arthritis include back pain, joint swelling, conjunctivitis and enthesitis. Other symptoms may include mouth ulcers or urethritis.

Septic Arthritis

A septic joint infection can cause severe swelling and pain. It is vital to seek immediate medical attention in order to avoid joint damage.

Septic arthritis symptoms include joint pain, swelling, redness and warmth around the area of inflammation. Localized tenderness is also common, as are joint effusions (accumulation fluid in joints), and increased pain while moving.

No matter if it is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or juvenile idiopathic. Each type requires a tailored treatment. Plexus' centres in Bangalore or Hyderabad offer customized regenerative programs.

Read more about Plexus stem-cell rehabilitation for arthritis Here.

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