The Types of Arthritis Affecting the World Today

The majority of the human population do not know that there is more than one type of arthritis. Most people think that arthritis is a disease itself that exhibits all joint disorders. Not only are there many other kinds of joint disorders but also, there are many known types. The only common characteristic amongst all the different types is that they all feature pain. The pain itself may vary in terms of the location of the joints affected. Another characteristic of the types that vary is it may be progressive or non-progressive. Progressive means that the disease affects the person on a continuing basis during that person's whole lifetime. Non-progressive, on the other hand, means that it can be cured by treatment or surgery.

The different types are subdivided into three: primary form, secondary groups, and disease that mimic arthritis. Examples of primary form of arthritis are: Still's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, septic arthritis osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases directly affect the joints and surrounding area. The secondary groups are: psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, systemic lupus, erythematosus, Hencoch-Schonlein Purpura, hermachromatosis, and others. These diseases occur when preceded by another illness. Diseases that mimic arthritis are as follows: hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, multiple myeloma, osteoporosis, and fifth disease. Some causes of these diseases are already known and studied while others are still unknown.

Treatment will vary amongst the different types of arthritis. In worst cases, affected people will have to undergo surgery; others just might be treated with simple and traditional therapy. Studies have shown that physical exercise of the affected joint may bring forth improvement in a long-term basis. Cure of the disease is the primary goal for others while some may just opt for relief from the pain. Some may be lucky enough to have their ailment cured while others will have to endure the disease itself for the remainder of their days. Whatever the case, the affected people will have to make changes with their lifestyle.