About 350 million adults suffer from arthritis all over the world. Though this condition is common among the aging population, it can still affect a younger demographic. There are various types of arthritis and it can affect different kinds of people depending on several environmental factors.
Arthritis is caused by inflammation in the joints and can sometimes be painful enough to impair a person’s mobility. In this article, we’re going to discuss the different types of arthritis and the symptoms that can manifest along with this condition. We’ll also talk about preventive measures and treatment.
Most Common Types of Arthritis
Different types of arthritis can affect people in specific demographics. Determining the type that can affect you as a person is an ideal way for prevention. Aside from doing research, consulting a specialist is necessary to know which type of treatment is required for your condition. The most common types of arthritis are as follows:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- This type of arthritis is a type of chronic, autoimmune disease which means the immune system attacks the joints. Swelling and pain usually begin around the hands and feet but can also affect other organs.
- Some people who are affected by rheumatoid arthritis can also develop a skin condition called rheumatoid nodules. They manifest as tiny lumps on the skin and often appear around areas where the joints experience too much pressure such as knuckles and elbows.
- Treatment: The most common forms of treatment prescribed by doctors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Steroids for sale UK such as prednisone. They can reduce pain or swelling and slow down damages to the joints.
- Osteoarthritis
- Considered the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the result of overusing your joints. Though this often manifests in elderly people, it can also affect those who are suffering from obesity or manual laborers.
- Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in the joint breaks down or wears out. Since the cartilage acts as a cushion, once it gets damaged, the bones would rub against one another causing pain.
- Treatment: Much like rheumatoid arthritis, NSAIDs are often considered the best medication to relieve pain and swelling. Doctors would also recommend keeping a good lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight to avoid putting too much strain on the joints.
- Gout
- This form of arthritis is often caused by the unhealthy buildup of uric acid around the joints. High amounts of uric acid in the body may be due to an unhealthy diet or lack of processing within the kidneys.
- If left untreated, swelling and pain can be felt more frequently. It could also cause damaging effects to your kidneys and joints so preventive measures should always be taken into consideration.
- Treatments: Like both conditions above, NSAIDs are also good forms of treatment for gout. However, it’s always important to pay attention to your uric acid levels and keep a healthy diet.
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Psoriasis is a type of skin condition that can affect people of all ages. It causes inflamed patches of the skin but can also cause swelling in the joints.
- Though only a small percentage of people with psoriasis will get psoriatic arthritis, it can also affect younger people or children.
- Treatments: There is no known cure for this type of arthritis and most treatments are aimed towards prevention. The best course of action is to control the skin condition to avoid psoriatic arthritis from getting worse.
