Dealing With Arthritis? Learn the Types and Symptoms

There are varying types of arthritis, and your arthritis symptoms will depend upon the type. Any form can affect several different parts of the body, and there are often several factors behind the cause. Here is a brief overview of several types and their associated symptoms.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that impacts the joints of the spine. It also goes by the names of Marie-Strumpell disease and rheumatoid spondylitis. The joints-vertebrae-become inflamed, and can cause severe, chronic pain. This inflammation can further impact other organs, such as the eyes, heart and lungs. Symptoms include low back and buttocks pain or stiffness. Pain can spread to the neck, shoulders, ribs, hips and thighs. Fatigue and anemia are may happen as well.

Another form of arthritis is bursitis, which usually affects the hips, shoulders and elbows. However, in some cases it can also be felt in the knees, heels are in the big toe. Since bursitis is the effect caused by repetitive motion in the joints, some athletes are prone to it, but bad posture can be a cause as well. Symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joints which become more intense when the joint is used. The joint may also swell and become warm to the touch.

Both adult and juvenile arthritis symptoms are much the same, including pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. Symptoms aren't constant, but usually come and go. Since a child may not mention these symptoms, parents should be on the lookout for children limping, being unusually clumsy, or not wanting to get involved in physical activities like they normally would.

In older people, osteoarthritis is the most common form, as long-term everyday use of the joints is part of the cause. Symptoms will vary, depending on which joints are impacted. Many with it in their fingers don't even know it until it's revealed by an x-ray. Symptoms are the standard pain and swelling, however the pain will fade over time.

If the body has too much uric acid, gout is a potential problem. The symptom of this form of arthritis is intense pain-usually in the big toe. The toe may become swollen, red and warm to the touch. While the toe is the most common place for gout, it can also manifest itself in the wrists, ankles and knees. Symptoms may not show themselves again for several years, but if left untreated, the crystals formed by the uric acid and destroy a portion of the bone.

Next in the list of types of arthritis, we have rheumatoid arthritis which is caused by an overactive immune system. Generally, the symptoms start out as minor stiffness and pain which may come and go, but it will get worse overtime and become more frequent. If this arthritis can be caught within the first few months of manifestation, treatment is most effective.

If you feel you have any of these types of arthritis, or notice any of these arthritis symptoms, you should see your doctor. You have a greater chance of dealing with it properly if you can treat it in its early stages.