Types of Arthritis

Overview

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation and can result in pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, some common ones include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common form of arthritis and is often referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis. It typically affects the hands, hips, and knees. OA occurs when the protective cartilage located at the end of bones wears down over time, causing the bones within a joint to rub against each other.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like NSAIDs and acetaminophen can help manage symptoms, along with exercises to strengthen muscles and hot/cold therapy to relieve stiffness and pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the membrane lining around the joints. This leads to inflammation that wears away at the cartilage and bone, resulting in joint misalignment. RA can affect any joint in the body but commonly affects the hands, wrists, and knees.
  • Treatment for RA may include prescription medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, leading to joint inflammation. It can happen in people who have psoriasis (a skin condition) or even in those without it. It affects the joints where ligaments and tendons connect to the bone. PsA can cause severe pain and loss of function in affected joints.
  • Treatment for PsA may involve a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): SLE, also known as lupus, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks various tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and tissue damage in affected organs. It can affect multiple systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, brain, blood vessels, lungs, etc.
  • Treatment is usually personalized to the individual’s symptoms and organ involvement, and may include prescription medications to reduce pain, inflammation, and slow down damage to the organs and joints.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): AS primarily affects the spine and causes inflammation that leads to additional calcium production around the spinal bones. This can result in back and neck stiffness. AS typically starts in early adulthood and may also affect other joints.
  • Common treatments include medication to reduce pain and inflammation, biologic medications that control immune system activity, and physical therapy to improve flexibility and maintain posture.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific condition.