Arthritis Types And Common Symptoms

Most people associate any trouble with joints as an early sign of arthritis. Common symptoms of swelling and pain give an early indication of the disorder, which gradually paves the way to decreased range of motion and increasing pain as the condition advances. Though the disorder is often associated with advancing age, it is no surprise that it affects children too! More than 300,000 children in America themselves fall victim to arthritis. Depending on the symptoms and the reason associated with it, arthritis can be one of many types. However, the common symptoms are similar in all of these, and hence, it takes expert clinical eyes to get the correct diagnosis. 

Osteoarthritis

It is the most common type of arthritis from the wear and tear of the cartilage tissue. Cartilage is the soft tissue that acts as a cushion between two bones at the joints, and the cushion prevents the bones from grinding against each other. However, once the cartilage begins to wear down, friction comes into action, and the bones start to grind against each other, causing inflammation and pain. The degradation of the tissue is generally due to advancing age, or a joint injury accelerates the process manifold.

Main Symptoms: Inflammation And Intense Pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here, the body’s immune system is responsible for the act. The immune system carries out a series of information guided by primary and secondary memory against foreign particles in the body. However, due to some dis-coordination, they begin to attack the self-cells, which causes a series of autoimmune disorders. Rheumatoid arthritis is one such autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. 

The autoimmune disease can be passed down by heredity, with females more likely to develop them. Age, as usual, plays a significant role with an exponential chance of risk with advancing age. In addition, a lifestyle like smoking and obesity further increases the likelihood of developing the disease. 

Main Symptoms: Inflammation And Pain In More Than One Joint

Gout

The deposition of uric acid in the joints is gout. Uric acid is a waste that needs to be flushed out of the body. However, when they are not eliminated properly, they get deposited in the joints forming crystals. The crystals displace the joints, causing intense pain along with inflammation. 

People with significant levels of uric acids, especially men, are at higher risk of developing gout. Factors that increase uric acid levels in the body, like kidney failure, high blood pressure, and heart failure, can add to the cause.

Main Symptoms: Intense Pain And Swelling In Joints, Especially Toes

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia disorder causes disparity in how the brain perceives pain. As a result, it amplifies the net pain felt by the body, causing widespread musculoskeletal pain. In addition, it may develop as a common side effect of other arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. 

Psychological stress, like trauma or surgery, is attributed as the primary cause. Women are at higher risk of developing the disorder. 

Main Symptoms: A Widespread Pain With Constant Fatigue

Psoriatic Arthritis

Often develops in association with psoriasis, Psoriatic arthritis follows similar symptoms as the parent disease. However, here the skin around the joints becomes scaly and cracked, followed by intense pain. However, the pain and stiffness may begin to appear before the skin has shown external symptoms.

This develops from abnormal behavior of the immune system, which is passed on by genetic makeup. A patient can also develop psoriatic arthritis followed by some infection. 

Main Signs: Inflammation With Pain In Fingers And Toes, Lower Back, And Feet 

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis incorporates all types of arthritis that mainly affect kids. From autoimmune diseases to diseases promoted by physical stress, a wide range of arthritis affect children. Environmental factors trigger a genetic history of juvenile arthritis. 

Main Symptoms: Joint Pain And Stiffness, Fever, Eye Problems

Ankylosing Spondylitis

This is an autoimmune disorder affecting the tendons and ligaments. Ankylosing spondylitis causes pain and stiffness in the spinal region, peripheral joints, and pelvis region are at most risk, with patients developing deformity in the most severe cases. 

Men are more affected by the disease than women. It is also associated with genetic composition, making a few sections of society more vulnerable to it. 

Main Symptoms: Inflammatory Disease With Stiffness In The Back

Conclusion

Arthritis is a chronic disease with no permanent cure. People with arthritis have to suffer the aftermath. However, early and correct diagnosis can lead to early treatment, which may help in relieving the pain. Physical therapy, pain medication, and a healthy lifestyle will help the patient have a more comfortable life than otherwise.