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Common Types Of Arthritis You Should Know About
Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints, which leads to pain and stiffness in movement. It can be caused by injuries, side effects of drugs, autoimmune diseases, etc. Treatment for arthritis aims at reducing pain and improving joint flexibility. The most common treatment methods are medication (like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), physical therapy and exercise, local injections with steroids or pain-relieving drugs, etc. The treatments above are used in combination for effective results. If you have any symptoms related to arthritis, you need to see a doctor experienced in arthritis treatment in Phoenix. In this article, we take a detailed look at some common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis, and it affects the cartilage present in the joints. Cartilage absorbs shock and provides cushioning to the bones. But as we age, there is a gradual weakening of this cartilage due to changes in its structure, production, or breakdown resulting in OA. People over the age of 50 are more susceptible to OA. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes thin and rough, resulting in friction between the joints, which leads to pain and stiffness. When these symptoms become chronic, it is difficult to perform day-to-day activities due to limited mobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. In this, the immune system starts attacking the healthy cells and tissues, resulting in widespread inflammation of the blood vessels and joints. This leads to pain in different parts of the body, but the most common symptoms are stiffness in joints, especially hands, pain in fingers, toes, etc. It can also affect the eyes, causing swelling and redness. The pain in the feet can make it difficult for a person to walk or climb stairs.
Juvenile Arthritis
If a child has pain or swelling in any joint, it could be arthritis. Juvenile arthritis is the most common chronic disease in children, with around 50,000 cases every year. It mainly affects kids between 3 and 10 years but can occur until their early twenties. The symptoms of juvenile arthritis are similar to adult rheumatoid arthritis-like pain in the joints, fever, loss of appetite, etc.
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis refers to the infection of the joint due to bacteria. It can be caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, salmonella, streptococcus, etc. These infections mainly occur due to a lack of proper hygiene or penetration of germs through a wound or injury in the skin near the joint. Septic arthritis leads to severe pain in the affected joint and fever. In some cases, it can also affect the surrounding joints if germs spread through the bloodstream.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis refers to a condition in which the patient develops joint pain and swelling after contracting a bacterial infection like chlamydia or salmonella. It can also occur due to digestive problems caused by food poisoning, stomach flu, etc. The most common symptoms of reactive arthritis are fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in different joints, primarily hands, and feet.
In summary, arthritis is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the joints. The most common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, septic arthritis, and reactive arthritis. However, there are many other types, and you need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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