Three Main Types of Arthritis

There are three main types of arthritis. There is osteoarthritis which is the kind that happens with wear and tear of the joints, and there is rheumatoid arthritis which is inflammatory and occurs when the immune system isn’t functioning up to par. Another form of arthritis is Gout. Gout is caused by crystals collecting in the joints. Other less common forms of arthritis are lupus, septic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is often referred to as a degenerative joint disease. This degenerative form of arthritis currently affects approximately 33 million in the United States alone. It is by and far the most common joint condition affecting people today. Over use of the joints is the most common reason for this form of arthritis. It may be from a demanding sport, overweight, effects of aging or if the person is a dancer or athlete.

Occasionally, it may strike younger patients but on average, it’s only as people age that this form of arthritis strikes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This chronic inflammatory condition generally affect small joints in the hands and feet. It attacks the lining of the joints and causes painful swellings that over the course of time will result in the bone erosion and eventually joint deformity.

Not all types of arthritis are due to joint damage. Considered an autoimmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body tissues and results in a myriad of joint issues. It can also attack other ares of the body such as the eyes, skin, lungs, and the blood vessels.

Typically occurring after the age of 40 there is a juvenile form that may attack much earlier in childhood. It’s much more common in women than men and treatment will focus on controlling the pain, symptoms and the prevention of joint damage.

Gout

This common form of arthritis is formed by crystals collecting in the joints. These crystals are very painful and can cause the affected joint to swell up and make it difficult to walk. Gout will generally attack at night while the patient is sleeping so that when the patient arises in the morning they are suddenly aware of excruciating pain in the toe, foot, ankle or knee area.

Generally attacking a big toe, it’s formed when the body has too much uric acid in the blood. Avoiding red meats or fish high in purines and avoiding alcohol may help alleviate the condition. Those who are overweight are also more prone to gout.

Corticosteroids are the typical treatment for gout and the sooner this regimen is started the sooner the patient will feel relief. A large dose will be administered to begin with and then the doses will taper back down until the patient has found complete relief. Ibuprofen or other anti inflammatory medications may also be prescribed as well if the patient is in a lot of pain.

In reality, there are actually over 100 different kinds of arthritis. These are the main three types. If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Be sure you use the treatment for the kind of arthritis that you have.