Arthritis: Symptoms, Types, Causes and Treatment – Joint Care Tips

Arthritis can be prevented, halted or even be reversed. It all depends on whether the root causes have been identified and addressed accordingly. Otherwise masking the signs and symptoms will only provide palliative relief . Common Types of Arthritis The 3 most common types of arthritis are: Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis arthritis is referred to as a…

Arthritis

Arthritis is the word used to describe over 100 different types of conditions whereby the bone joints and tissues are damaged due to a number of different factors. Inflammation and pain are exhibited.

Arthritis can be prevented, halted or even be reversed. It all depends on whether the root causes have been identified and addressed accordingly. Otherwise masking the signs and symptoms will only provide palliative relief .

Common Types of Arthritis

The 3 most common types of arthritis are:

  • osteoarthritis
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • gouty arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis arthritis is referred to as a wear and tear arthritis. The bones at the joints rub against each other resulting in the wearing out of the cartilage tissue that protects the bone ends. Bone then rubs against bone and results in pain . It is mostly common in persons aged 40 years and above.

Osteoarthritis:Signs and Symptoms

-Painful joints
-Development of bone spurs
-Joint stiffness
-Crackling sounds from affected joints
-Tenderness
-Swelling
-Loss of flexibility
-Osteoarthritis: Causes
-Cartilage damage
-Obesity
-Genetical factors
-Nature of daily work
-Past joint trauma
-Age factor
-Muscle laxity
-Lack of adequate synovial fluid

Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is an autoimmune disorder. The bodies immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane mistaking it as being non-self. Inflammation ensues resulting in the damage of cartilage and other joint tissues.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

-Decrease in range of motion
-Minor joint swelling
-Numbness and tingling
-Anemia
-Crippling pain
-Joint stiffness
-Fatigue
-Fever
-Weight loss
-Gouty Arthritis

There are a number of suspected factors that may promote arthritis onset. Amongst them are:

-Infections
-Obesity
-Genetics
-Diet
-Past injuries
-Obesity

Gouty Arthritis

In this form of arthritis there is excessive uric acid in the body that is being converted to urates and are being stored in joints. They are referred to as tophi. The big toe is the one that is normally affected. Its a sign of the inability of the kidneys to excrete this excessive uric acid.

Gouty Arthritis Signs and Symptoms

Some of the most common signs include:

  • formation of kidney stones
  • painful swollen big toe
  • joint stiffness
  • mild fever
  • lumps deposits in the joints

Gouty Arthritis Causes

  • Consuming a lot of sugar
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Roasted meats
  • there are certain medication
  • Foods rich in purines

There are a number of Treatments used in arthritis management. The most common are:

-DMARDs- Disease Modifying -Antirheumatic Disease drugs
-NSAIDs- Non Steroidal -Anti-inflammatory Drugs
-Biologics- useful in rheumatoid arthritis
-Steroids- Helpful for calming flare. Can be injected in the joints but for short term
-Physical therapy sessions
-Diet


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