arthritis

Types of Arthritis

Types of arthritis vary consisting of more than 100 types. Arthritis comes from the Greek word “arthron” which means joint and “itis” which means inflammation although some types involve inflammation and others do not. Each of these types has different conditions requiring diagnosis and treatment. When the body experiences injury or gets infected, its natural response is to release chemicals that cause fluids to accumulate and white blood cells gather around the affected area causing inflammation.

Some types of arthritis include:

  • Rheumatoid – the most common serious inflammatory type which should be treated at its early stage since it inflicts most of its damage in the first year. If it is not treated, it could shorten the life span of the patient by as much as 18 years.
  • Osteoarthritis-It is associated with aging and affects the body areas bearing weight such as the spine, hips, knees, base of the thumbs and feet. The causes may be due to genetics and mechanical factors.
  • Polymyalgia reeumatica- Usually occurs after the age of 50 characterized with severe stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders and hips. It is very curable but since many conditions are similar to it, correct diagnosis is needed.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis- This type affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints characterized with low back pain but also treatable.
  • Reactive arthritis-This is caused after an infection such as intestinal or genitourany infection. This often attacks young adults.
  • Gout- One of the most common types of arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium crystals. Changes in the diet and medications can treat this problem.
  • Pseudogout- This is due to the deposit of calcium pyrophosphate in many cases. This can also co-exist with other types of arthritis.
  • Systematic lupus erythematosus- An autoimmune disease which can affect the internal organs and often affects women in their child-bearing years. This can cause death to the patient hence early and aggressive treatment is necessary..
  • Polymyositis- The muscles are affected it could affect the heart, lungs, etc.
  • Fibromyalgia- This is due to a defective neurotransmitter function in the brain characterized with a soft tissue.

Types of arthritis may be severe or mild but they all pose health problems and each has to be correctly diagnosed to be treated correctly.