Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as the tenderness, stiffness, and/or swelling in at least one of your joints. Studies show that arthritis can develop as you age, injure your joints, or if you suffer from obesity. Five common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Below, we’ll talk briefly about each different kind of arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks your joints. This then results in inflammation and, if left untreated, can lead to severe joint damage. In some people, rheumatoid arthritis is distinguishable by rheumatoid nodules.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
morning stiffness, swollen joints, swelling, and pain. Usually, when one set of joints are inflamed, the correspond joints on the other side of the body will also be inflamed.
Osteoarthritis
Weight-bearing joints in your spine, hips, knees, and feet are most affected by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis may take months or years to develop, leading to discomfort and pain on the weight-bearing joints. Symptoms include:
- deep joint pain
- difficulty performing simple tasks
- pain while walking
- joint warmth
- stiffness after resting.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematous is an autoimmune disease that targets your body’s internal organs and joints. Women are more susceptible to this disease than men. Onset typically occurs from ages 15 to 44.
Symptoms of lupus include:
- fatigue
- headaches
- chest pain
- inflamed joints
- blood disorders
- butterfly rash
Gout
Gout is a common form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and swelling, or tenderness in one or more joints. Based on studies, you may have gout when you experience pain in your big toe. Stress, medications and an underlying health condition can all trigger an attack. If your gout is left untreated, it could eventually affect your kidneys.
Symptoms include:
- discomfort,
- difficulty moving, a
- cute joint pain
- joint inflammation
Psoriatic Arthritis
This type of arthritis manifests as inflammation of joints and the skin. Psoriasis is a condition that leads to the appearance of red and white patches on various areas of your body, such as your knees, navel, and scalp. Studies have shown that 10 percent to 30 percent of individuals who have psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. One significant symptom is the inflammation of one or more joints.
If you are experiencing any pain and/or swelling in one or more joints, you should see your attending physician immediately. It is best to seek treatment for your arthritis as early as possible. At the Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery, we can help you distinguish which type of arthritis you have. Please visit our clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, anytime. For inquiries, feel free to call us at 602-258-4788. You can also make an appointment online through our app.
