What Are the Most Common Types of Arthritis?

You may not know this but there are over 100 different types of Arthritis. It is a condition that affects millions every year, worldwide. As each type of arthritis is different, so must the treatments that are used to help ease the pain and discomfort caused by this condition. Symptoms can be vastly different between each type, so it is vitally important that you see your local GP, so that correct diagnosis can be made and the right treatments can begin.

So what are the most common types of arthritis?

There are two main types of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. This article will look at both, and explore causes, symptoms and possible treatments. You should however always refer to your GP for help, advice and guidance.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by the malfunction of the body's immune system. This basically means that the immune system attacks parts of the body, for reasons that are not quite clear, the joints are the main areas affected.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused when the body's cells confuse one of its own proteins as a foreign intruder. This in return causes the immune system to start attacking the normal joint tissues. As a result there is a release of Cytokines which trigger more inflammation and destruction.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can start gradually or attack very suddenly. Symptoms can be rather severe causing pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, stiffness and fever. Most common symptoms include the pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints affected, which can include hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles and the neck. Another common symptom is the development of Rheumatoid Nodules, which are lumps that appear on the skin over the affected joint.

In terms of treatments, there are a few drugs that can be administered in order to reduce pain and inflammation. These can be prescribed by your local GP.

The other main type of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is not as severe as Rheumatoid Arthritis and is a common condition among those over 40. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, most commonly caused by the over use of certain joints, and those that bear weight.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis include deep aching pain within a joint, difficulty gripping objects, fatigue, warm joints, joint stiffness in the morning, pain when walking and the swelling of joints.

Unlike Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are a few Osteoarthritis treatment options. These can be as simple as more exercise and a better healthier diet, pain relief medication and inflammatory drugs to, in more severe cases, Hyaluronic Acid injections straight to the effected joint.

If you think that you may be developing or have developed some form of Arthritis then you must first make an appointment with your local GP. A common mistake is to leave or ignore any symptoms and allow the condition to further develop. Pain and discomfort need not rule your life; there are treatments that can be given to help you maintain your life as normal.