TYPES OF ARTHRITISTypes of Arthritis number over One Hundred and effect over 46 million people. Each type of Arthritis is different and requires a different line of treatment. It is therefore crucial that you get an accurate diagnosis. Knowing what type you have means knowing what causes the pain. Which enables you to take the proper steps to relieve the pain. What are the Common types of Arthritis? Two major types are osteoarthritis, "wear and tear" arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type occurring when the bodies immune system is not functioning properly. Gout, is caused by crystals that collect in the joints and is another type. Psoriatic arthritis, Septic arthritis and Lupes are other types of arthritis What is osteoarthritis? Also known as Degenerative Joint Disease it is the most common chronic joint condition. It literally is the over use of joints. It can be attributed to demanding sports, aging and obesity. If you played sports or danced in high school or collage you may start feeling joint pain in your knees early on in your adult life. If you sustained an injury it is even more likely to occur early. Middle age women often inherit osteoarthritis of the hands. Osteoarthritis occurs most often in weight bearing joints knees,hips, feet and spine. Cartilage gradually begins to break down this is a slippery material that covers the ends of bones and serves as the body's shock absorber. The more it wears away the more painful it becomes. Sometimes you can feel a grating sensation in the joint. Painful spurs can develop around the joint. You may suffer from a deep pain in the joint Morning stiffness Pain when walking Swelling of the joint The joint may be warm to the touch What is rheumatoid arthritis? Is an autoimmune disease and is the most common inflammatory arthritis. It is not clear as to why the inflammation effects the joints. Over time this can cause severe joint damage and deformity of the joint. What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? Symptoms are often severe and can come on suddenly or very gradually, causing pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, stiffness, and even fever. It commonly effects hands, knees and feet. Or it can occur in only one body part. This tends to occur in a symmetrical pattern. One side then the other. The swelling becomes persistent and interferes with daily activities. Opening a jar becomes extremely painful as can walking and other activities. Stiffness in the morning can last for hours. You can become extremely tried from the pain and do not want to do any activities you formally enjoyed. The inflammation can effect other organs of the body also including heart and lungs. What causes rheumatoid arthritis? Unfortunately no one is really sure what actually causes it.Some believe that the immune system becomes confused after an infection and begins attacking the normal joint tissue. Others believe certain cells see a protein as being foreign and attack it to rid the body of this intruder. What is psoriatic arthritis? It is a chronic disease involving the skin (psoriasis) and the joints (arthritis). This can begin as early as 30 to 50 years of age. Generally starting with psoriasis and then progressing to the joints. It can also appear in childhood. Below are links to helpful sites that give suggestions on how to deal with different types of arthritis.
Parkinson's pg. 5
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