Arthritis is a condition where one or more joints become tender and inflamed. The term is also generally used to refer to any disorder that affects joints. There is an array of different arthritis types where some may even affect organs such as your heart, skin, and eyes.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis where the two damage joints in different ways.
Of the two, osteoarthritis is the most common and consists of the deterioration of joint cartilage tissue due to wear-and-tear. The cartilage between bones is a hard, smooth tissue that is responsible for the cushioning of joints to ensure an almost frictionless movement within the joints. When sufficient damage is done to cartilage it leads to bone-on-bone grinding resulting in pain with a restricted range of movement. The damage caused to joints can occur over a very long period of time or can either be a lot quicker due to an injury or infection within a joint. Osteoarthritis has the ability to also damage the tendons that connect muscles to bones to keep joints in place. [1]
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the synovial membrane or lining of joint cartilage capsules. This tough membrane covers all the different parts of joints and when damaged, it can lead to inflammation and swelling. [2]
Another, quite common condition is when there is too much uric acid in your blood. This can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals and possibly result in gout. If you were to have other infections or underlying disease such as psoriasis or lupus, it can cause other types of arthritis. [1]
Depending on the type of arthritis diagnosed, the most common symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and a decreased range of motion in the joints affected. [1]
Some genes have been identified that are linked to some types of arthritis that can be inherited, such as rheumatoid- and juvenile arthritis. The inheritance of weak cartilage may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. [2] Other factors that can contribute to the development of arthritis include age, gender, past injuries, and obesity.
Age – as you become older the probability of developing arthritis increases. Gender – woman have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis while men are more prone to develop gout. Past injuries – joint injuries have a higher risk of developing arthritis. Obesity -excess body weight puts a lot of stress on the joints of your knees, hips, and spine. As a result, obese individuals have a higher risk of developing arthritis. [1]
Treatment varies for different types of arthritis. The primary goal of arthritis treatments is to improve the quality of life of someone suffering from arthritis. Some medications for arthritis may include oral pain medication, creams and ointments that can be applied over sore muscles or joints to also help relieve pain, or medication that slows the development of the disease and prevent even more damage to joints. In certain instances, surgery for the replacement of joints may also be considered. [2]
Some individuals may argue that your life has come to a standstill when diagnosed with arthritis. It is true that arthritis can lead to a lot of pain, but there are various things you can implement to still lead a normal life. When suffering from arthritis you must be certain to take your medication as prescribed. Follow a good exercise routine to reduce pain and stiffness in joints. This will also contribute to weight-loss, taking some stress off joints. Be sure to first speak to your doctor for a
safe training program. Make use of heat and cold therapy to reduce pain and swelling in joints. Relaxation therapies may help relax muscles and ease pain. Use splints and braces to support weak and fragile joints. Use assistive devices for daily tasks to take pressure off joints.
