Arthritis Types: Understanding the Different Types of Joint Inflammation

Arthritis is a serious health concern that is often less discussed. People misunderstand it with other bone-related issues, possibly leading to further complications. It affects many people around the world across age categories. Arthritis is a combination of more than 100 joint disorders, causing pain, rigidity, and inflammation of one or several joints. Untreated conditions may result in limited mobility and general health deterioration.

Considering this, it is important to understand various types of arthritis to enable effective treatment at the right time. By evaluating the condition, healthcare providers can offer the kind of medical care needed to help patients manage their symptoms effectively.

Types of Arthritis

Listed below are some of the most common types of arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis, known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It occurs when cartilage, which protects bones at joints, wears away with time. This could occur at any joint but usually affects the hands, knees, hips, or spine.

Risk factors for Osteoarthritis (OA) include:

• Age (more common in older adults)
• Obesity
• Joint injuries
• Repetitive stress on joints
• Genetic factors

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA) include:

• Pain in affected joints
• Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
• Reduced flexibility
• Swelling
• Grating sensation or crackling sound in joints

Doctors diagnose OA via physical exams and X-rays, although MRI scans sometimes appear necessary. Pain relievers, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery are some of the treatment choices available.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is where the human immune system mistakenly starts attacking tender body tissues, such as those in your joints. Consequently, this could result in inflammation affecting the skin, eyes, lungs, or blood vessels.

Risk factors for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:

• Age (most common between 40 and 60 years)
• Gender (more common in women)
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history

Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:

• Tender, warm, swollen joints
• Joint stiffness, which is worse in the mornings
• Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
• Symmetrical joint involvement (same joints on both sides of the body)

Diagnostic testing involves inflammatory markers, antibody blood tests, and imaging tests. Disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs), NSAIDs, and lifestyle changes are often prescribed.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) falls into a category of inflammatory arthritic diseases primarily affecting the spinal column. Some vertebrae may fuse as a result of AS, sometimes making one bend forward. AS may affect other joints and organs.

AS typically commences early in adulthood and is more common among men. While the specific cause is not yet determined, genetic predisposition is a contributing factor.

Symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) include:

• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Pain that improves with exercise and worsens with rest
• Fatigue
• Reduced flexibility in the spine
• In severe cases, difficulty breathing is due to rib cage involvement

Diagnoses involve physical examination, imaging tests (X-rays and MRIs), and blood tests. Treatment includes NSAIDs, DMARDs, physical therapy, and, in some cases, biologics.

Gout

Gout is a type of inflamed arthritis characterised by abrupt, intense pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints. It mainly affects the big toe. The sudden pain may be severe when you move or touch the affected area due to the accumulation of urate crystals in the joint, leading to inflammatory responses.

Risk factors for Gout include:

• High levels of uric acid are found in the blood
• A diet rich in purines (found in red meat, organ meats, and some seafood)
• Obesity
• Certain medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes)
• Some medications

Symptoms of Gout include:

• Intense joint pain, often starting at night
• Lingering discomfort even when most severe pain subsides
• Inflammation and redness
• Limited range of motion

Diagnosis involves physical examination, blood tests for uric acid levels, and joint fluid tests. Treatment includes drugs to relieve pain and inflammation during attacks and medication to lower levels of uric acid to prevent future attacks.

Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to any type of arthritis or arthritis-related conditions that affect individuals under the age of 16. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues.

Several types of Juvenile arthritis (JA) exist, including:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (most common)
• Juvenile psoriatic arthritis
• Juvenile lupus
• Juvenile scleroderma

Symptoms of Juvenile arthritis (JA) can vary but often include:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Fever
• Rash
• Fatigue

Diagnosis includes physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies to rule out other illnesses. Treatment typically involves medication like NSAIDs and DMARDs coupled with biologics, exercise, and a change in lifestyle.

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is a type of rheumatoid inflammatory disease. It results from an infection in other body parts, such as the intestines, genitals, or urinary tract. It frequently involves the knee, ankle, and foot joints.

Causes and triggers of Reactive Arthritis include:

Bacterial infections are major causes, including Chlamydia, Salmonella, or Shigella, Genetic factors (presence of the HLA-B27 gene)

Symptoms typically appear 1-4 weeks after the triggering infection and may include:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Urinary problems
• Skin rashes
• Low back pain

Diagnosis is based on symptom presentation, physical examination, and testing to rule out other conditions. Treatment is symptom-oriented, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and DMARDs sometimes used. If the underlying infection is still present, it is also treated.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Some people develop red patches with silvery scales on their skin and develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an inflammatory kind of arthritis that can precede or follow the occurrence of psoriasis symptoms.

Although no one knows what causes it, genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to it. PsA eventually appears in around 30% of individuals with a history of psoriasis.

Symptoms include:

• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Changes in nail appearance (pitting or separation from the nail bed)
• Fatigue
• Reduced range of motion
• Swollen fingers and toes (dactylitis)

Diagnosis relies on symptomatology, physical exams, and laboratory tests such as complete blood count and ESR with radiographic imaging. Combination treatment may involve DMARDs but mostly NSAIDs plus biologics for some cases.

Conclusion

Arthritis is an issue that is a combined health complication of multiple joint disorders. A person needs to detect arthritis at its initial stages for effective management. It is important to address the issue at an early stage to avoid any further complications. Knowing different types of arthritis is also important for the best possible treatment.

To get the best medical support, you need a healthcare centre with the finest technology and staff. BLK Max fulfils this need well. We have a team of experienced doctors and healthcare professionals to provide you with the proper care.

Take a step towards your health and get an appointment with BLK Max today.