What Are The Most Common Types Of Arthritis
Arthritis or inflammation of the joints is the leading cause of disability among the elderly worldwide. Millions of old people suffer from arthritis pain such as swollen joints, redness, stiffness in the morning, fatigue and even fever. The smaller parts of the body are usually affected first, such as the hands, ankles, and wrists. Eventually, it spreads to larger parts like the back, arms, hips, shoulders, and the neck.
Arthritis comes in many different forms, around 100 to be exact. Since discussing all of these types would be a bit unrealistic, this article will cover the most common types that millions around the world are affected by. By knowing about the various types of arthritis, people will be better able to manage their condition and prevent it from progressing further.
Below are the types of arthritis that people are most affected by:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Joint inflammation and swelling characterize this form of arthritis. This type of arthritis can have an early onset age as early as 40s, especially among women. The synovial lining of the joints is usually attacked and thereby gets swollen. Sufferers should seek treatment immediately as it’s possible for bones to become deformed. Even children and younger people can suffer from this type, and one such type referred to as systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
This type is characterized by reduced elasticity of the cartilage which is most often weakened by stretching and excessive physical activity. Cartilage is important since it absorbs the shock to our joints thus loss of this material would lead to quick wear and tear of the joints itself. Once bone starts to rub against bone, then pain is felt. This then hinders mobility quite a bit.
Infectious arthritis
{This occurs when an infection penetrates the synovium thereby enabling the bacteria, fungi or viruses to travel through the bloodstream and infect tissues and joints}. This results in joint and tissue infections. Individuals that have previous infections have a high probability of having this type of arthritis . This is why it is crucial to seek treatment for any illness since infection can cause more damage later.
Juvenile arthritis ( JRA )
Those who suffer from JRA are children under the age of 16. Generally, they have painful joints, a fever, and are anemic. This condition has several degrees of severity, including juvenile chronic arthritis among others.
Of course, there are still many other types of arthritis as well, but these are the most prevalent. Consult a doctor today before your arthrits continues to get worse.
See Also: Arthritis Pain Relief
