Arthritis is a common illness that most people suffer from, although most people confuse arthritis for joint pain. Most people tend to brush off their joint pains as a one-time occurrence and do not consider it a serious issue. But arthritis can cause this joint pain and create serious issues.
One may experience joint pain due to various reasons such as a sprain, strain, infection, and the most common reason of all arthritis. Joint pain is the effect of arthritis and not the other way around. Millions of people every year in the United States suffer from chronic pain due to arthritis. One in every four adults suffers from this illness, that is 15 million people, each year. Over 100 types of arthritis are known to us, and knowing the type you are suffering from can greatly help you get proper help.
Arthritis is when one or more joints become swollen or tender. The major arthritis symptoms are joint pain and stiffness in the joint region, which gradually worsens with age. Depending on the type of arthritis one suffers from, the medication varies, and so it is crucial to correctly diagnose the type of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis is the most common one of all, affecting millions of people around the globe. Osteoarthritis is when the covering cushion wrapped around the ends of the bone depletes down over time. When this cushion wears down, the bones start rubbing against each other, which causes immense pain and stiffness in the long run. Osteoarthritis can affect all joints, but it is common in hip joints, knees, spine, and hands. Osteoarthritis has no cure. You cannot reverse the damage; however, you can contain it and slow the progress of the ailment. Proper medication, diet, and treatment will slow down the progression of the disease and will help reduce the pain and stiffness in the joints.
Symptoms
- Pain – The affected joint will start hurting more and more with each day.
- Tenderness – The joints become tender and start causing discomfort when in movement.
- Stiffness – Due to the loss of the fluid between the joints, the functioning of the joint is greatly affected. As a result, and similar to a poorly lubricated machine, your joints start becoming stiff.
- Swelling – The skin around the joints starts swelling due to the exertion of the joints beyond their capability.
- Grating sensation – Since the protective cushion is no longer in place; the bones start rubbing against each other and producing a grating sensation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. What is an autoimmune disease? An autoimmune disease is where the immune system of the body starts acting against the body. Normally, the body’s immune system targets viruses, bacteria, or foreign invaders from causing harm to the body. However, in some cases, the immune system mistakenly targets the parts of your body as harmful and starts attacking those parts.
The same is the case with Rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system affects the joints, which cause damage throughout the body. So if one of your hands is affected by Rheumatoid arthritis, then it is most likely that your other hand is affected as well. It is best to start treatment as early as possible with this type of arthritis. This way, the effect of the immune system can be lessened and stopped.
Symptoms
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Loss of movement
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that is experienced by those who have psoriasis. However, this joint condition does not affect psoriasis patients; only some are burdened with this illness. Psoriasis is a condition where red patches start developing on the skin along with silvery scales. In most cases, patients are first diagnosed with psoriasis and then psoriatic arthritis, but this can also be vice versa. There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis; the only way is to slow and decrease the spread of the condition. The main focus of treatment is to control the symptoms and damage to the joints. If left untreated psoriatic arthritis can be disabling.
Symptoms
- Stiffness
- Joint pain
- Swelling
In Conclusion
Identifying the type of arthritis is crucial for the proper treatment of the disease. Arthritis is common and exceedingly harmful, and in serious cases, arthritis can lead to permanent disabilities, so speedy treatment is necessary.
