Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, making it difficult to move and perform daily activities. But what exactly is arthritis, and how many types are there?
Arthritis is not a single disease, but a term that covers over 100 different conditions that affect the joints and the tissues around them. Some of the most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, affecting most after late 50’s in men and postmenopausal women. However in heavy working individuals can be affected much early. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away, causing bone-on-bone friction and inflammation. Osteoarthritis usually affects the weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine, but can also affect the hands, feet, and neck. It tends to develop gradually with age, but can also be triggered by injury or obesity.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the synovium, which is the thin membrane that lines the joints. This causes swelling, pain, and damage to the joint and surrounding structures. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but often affects the hands, wrists, and feet. It can also affect other organs, such as the eyes, lungs, and heart. It is more common in women than men.
- Gout: This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that normally dissolves in the blood and passes out through the urine. However, some people produce too much uric acid or have trouble getting rid of it. This causes uric acid to accumulate in the joints, especially in the big toe, causing sudden and severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling. Gout affects mostly on people who takes alcohol, red meat regularly and is more common in men than women.
- Psoriatic arthritis: This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, which is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and tendons, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can affect any joint in the body, but often affects the fingers, toes, knees, and spine. It affects equally men and women.
These are just some of the many types of arthritis that exist. Each type has its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. If you have joint pain or stiffness that lasts for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Arthritis can affect your quality of life and lead to complications if left untreated. However, with proper care and management, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your function.