Types Of Arthritis (Types)

There are over 100 types of Arthritis but we are going to discuss the most common ones.

Osteoarthritis

• Causes: Osteoarthritis is often due to the wear and tear of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint. It can also result from an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. It commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
• Management: Treatment includes pain relief medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes like weight management, and in severe cases, surgery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Causes: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.
• Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness. It can also cause fatigue and affect other body tissues and organs.
• Management: Treatment involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery1.

Other Types of Arthritis

• Gout: Caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, leading to intense pain and swelling.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: An inflammatory joint condition that can affect people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes scaly red and white patches. Symptoms include joint stiffness and swelling, and inflamed patches of skin. 
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: A long-term inflammatory condition affecting the spine.
• Reactive arthritis: A type of arthritis caused by an infection in the body, which often clears up on its own within a few weeks or months.