Various types of arthritic conditions can be experienced by anyone and most of these usually result to permanent damages to the joints, bones, organs and skins. Some of the most debilitating arthritic conditions include the following:
* Osteoarthritis: this is known as a degenerative disease of the joints that causes it to wear and tear. This condition usually affects the joints that bear the weight, such as the hips, knees, feet, spine and the base of the thumb. Genetic and mechanical factors are the main culprits of this condition, although trauma, obesity, repetitive usage of the joints and trauma are considered as risk factors as well.
* Rheumatoid Arthritis: this type of arthritic condition occurs when the immune system attack the synovial membrane by mistake, thus resulting to swelling, stiffness and pain in the joint. This autoimmune condition can be disabling and may become chronic as it progresses. The early diagnosis of this condition can be difficult since the indications are often subtle during the initial phase and are aggravated gradually.
* Psoriatic Arthritis: this is almost identical to rheumatoid arthritis since this too is considered as an autoimmune condition. Psoriatic arthritis often afflicts individuals suffering from psoriasis. In this condition, the joints become inflamed, painful and swollen and if left untreated, the affected joint may become crippled.
* Gout: this arthritic condition is often due to abnormal metabolism of uric acid within the body that results to the deposition of acid crystals into the joints, specifically on the big toe, thus causing it to redden, swell and become painful.
* Juvenile Arthritis: all forms of arthritic condition that afflict children are considered as juvenile arthritis. The most common form among all these is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which is categorized into three: pauciarticular, which is focused on several joints, polyarticular that affects various joints in the body, and systemic where almost all joints or the entire body is afflicted. The condition is diagnosed if the presented symptoms last for more or less 6 weeks.
* Infectious Arthritis: this arthritic condition is due to the invasion of viruses, fungi or bacteria. For instance, septic arthritis may occur due to an infection caused by bacteria, tuberculous arthritis, on the other hand, may occur due to tuberculosis, viral arthritis is due to a viral infection, gonococcal arthritis is experienced when afflicted with gonorrhea and fungal arthritis is obviously due to a fungal infection.
* Ankylosing Spondylitis: this, on the other hand, is considered as a chronic disease and is highly inflammatory that usually affected the spinal column. Ankylosing spondylitis may lead to the fusing of the vertebrae that result to a rigid spine. One common symptom of this condition is low back pain and is accompanied by stiffness that may go on for several months. This type of arthritis usually affects men between the ages of 16 and 35, although women can be afflicted with this condition as well.
* Polymyalgia Rheumatica: this usually affects people once they reached the age of fifty. Polymyalgia rheumatic may result to stiffness and severe aching of the neck, hips and shoulders. Since there are other health conditions with the same manifestation, this can be difficult to diagnose accurately.
* Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: this is a known autoimmune disorder that usually affects the body system along with various internal body organs. Systemic lupus usually occurs in women during their childbearing years and because this condition is life threatening, it is necessary to diagnose it immediately for early treatment.
These are some of the most prevalent types of arthritis in men, women and children. In case you are experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above, make sure to consult your physician immediately for an accurate diagnosis.
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