3 Common Types of Arthritis – Main Differences

Arthritis is the “general” term for any disease that causes swelling, tenderness and inflammation of the joints. There are various types of arthritis (over a hundred) with varying causes, symptoms and recommended treatments.
Arthritis is the “general” term for any disease that causes swelling, tenderness and inflammation of the joints. There are various types of arthritis (over a hundred) with varying causes, symptoms and recommended treatments.

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There are over forty million people in the United States of America who have arthritis. But the commonest types of arthritis you will find among these large numbers of people are of three different types. You will find the common type of arthritis as you continue to read this article. The article will also include the recommended treatments for each type of arthritis.

There are over forty million people in the United States of America who have arthritis. But the commonest types of arthritis you will find among these large numbers of people are of three different types. You will find the common type of arthritis as you continue to read this article. The article will also include the recommended treatments for each type of arthritis.

Common Types Of Arthritis

There are three common types of arthritis, and they include the following:

Osteoarthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, mainly found in older adults. It often occurs when the joints are overused, and it also affects individuals with weight problems or joint injuries. What is the primary cause of osteoarthritis? It occurs due to loss of cartilage, which results in inflammation that causes painful movements. Although this common type of arthritis (osteoarthritis) can affect all joints, the most vulnerable joints include the hips, knees, spine and feet.

The recommended treatments for osteoarthritis arthritis include a decrease in the work the affected joint is subjected to, prescription of pain relief medications, heating and ice, physical therapy and exercise and dietary modifications.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is another common type of arthritis that does not only affect the joints but also affects the skin. Psoriasis is a health condition often thought to be an immune system problem that causes the skin cells to build up to form dry itchy, scaly patches (common on the knees, trunks, scalp and elbows).

Research and studies have shown that about forty percent of the people suffering from this skin disease (psoriasis) will develop psoriatic arthritis. This psoriatic arthritis is known to cause swelling in the fingers and toes, and it is usually present in male and female patients between the age of thirty and fifty.

The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is complicated and can only be made by a rheumatologist who understands this disease. Your medical history will come in handy together with a detailed physical examination that specifically focuses on your joints, skin and nails is essential to the rheumatologist. Your rheumatologist can then recommend the best treatment after diagnosing you with psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is among the commonest arthritis, and it is an autoimmune disease. What does this mean? It means that some parts of the body, especially the joints, are attacked by the immune system for a reason no one is yet to know. Unlike the other types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can come gradually or drastically and causes pain, inflammation and swelling in multiple joints. It is the most severe type of arthritis that can impede your entire movement due to the pain it causes to your joints.

The best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis requires the use of certain medications to reduce inflammation and also prevent joint destruction. Meanwhile, early treatment is the best for this situation; hence, endeavor to make an appointment with your health care specialist before it gets out of hand.

In conclusion

These common types of arthritis are not age and gender-specific; instead it affects all ages and gender and various parts of the body. Treating this disease earlier is essential before it gets out of hand. Therefore, it is advisable to always fix an appointment with your doctor once you notice any sign of arthritis. Regular checkups may also come in handy.

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