| Common Types of Arthritis and Treatment Options |
Common Types of Arthritis and Treatment Options
Do you or someone you know suffer from arthritis? It is a common disease, you likely do. What type? Only a doctor can tell, but there are over 100 different types of arthritis. Despite this large number, they typically fall into two categories.
1 - Osteoarthritis
This disease is most commonly found in men and women over the age of 65. It is also known as degenerative arthritis. This name comes from the progression of the disease. It beings with cartilage breakdown. The cartilage covering the bones degenerates and wears away. Essentially, sufferers have exposed bones. These bones then rub against each other, causing severe pain and discomfort. Many also experience difficultly moving.
The most noticeable symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain. Stiffness is common the morning and after movement. All joints can be impacted by osteoarthritis, but the most common are the hips, feet, back, knees, and fingers. Those with arthritis problems in the hands and feet may find it difficult to walk without a limp and grasp otherwise easy objects.
As with most types of arthritis, there is not just one cause for osteoarthritis. There are many contributing factors. These include body weight, previous injuries, and genes. Although osteoarthritis typically affects the elderly, athletes who repeatedly use the same joints and suffer injury are at an increased risk. As for body weight, the joints and muscle surrounding them carry most of the body's weight; more weight applies more pressure. Although rare, there are defects that can lead to osteoarthritis. These include a lack of protein that makes up cartilage and the poor fitting of bones and joints.
2 - Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects over one million people in the United States. It does not discriminate, as individuals of all ages are susceptible to the disease. In fact, there are three types of rheumatoid arthritis for juveniles alone. The cause? The immune system is supposed to protect our body, but in some cases it does the exact opposite. With rheumatoid arthritis, it attacks the joint lining membrane.
The most noticeable symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is pain. If untreated, other complications can arise. The most common is disability. To prevent this from happening, all patients are urged to exercise their joints and muscles, even though it may be painful at first. Another common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation. The swelling can be mild to severe. In most instances, this is what separates rheumatoid arthritis from other forms. Swelling and inflammation is likely, but it is much more prominent and debilitating.
Luckily, rheumatoid arthritis suffers rarely experience constant pain. The disease flares up from time to time. These flare ups are trigged by joint overuse and certain foods. As for the cause, it is currently unknown. There are however many theories. One being genes.
3 - Fibromyalgia
Although not always classified as a form of arthritis, fibromyalgia is an arthritis related condition. This disease affects over three million people in the United States. That number is actually higher, but some patients are misdiagnosed.
The most noticeable symptom of fibromyalgia is muscle pain. There are also tender spots in the muscle and body that are more susceptible to pain and pressure. Additional symptoms include headaches, bladder problems, difficulty thinking, fatigue, and sleep difficulty.
While researchers have yet to determine a connection, a good percentage of those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis later develop fibromyalgia. It wasn't bad enough that your joints hurt, but now the muscles in your body too? Additional causes may be related to prior injuries. Some studies have shown that those with previous injuries are more likely to develop the disease. Many experts believe the change in muscles, due to injury, can later lead to chronic pain and fibromyalgia.
Now that you are familiar with some of the most common types of arthritis, what comes next? If you or someone who you know suffers from arthritis, medical care is important. A proper diagnosis is important to developing the best treatment option. Low impact exercise can loosen the joints and strengthen the surrounding muscles. This not only eliminates joint stiffness, but it can later prevent disability and deformities.
Finally, some pain can be treated, but it will reoccur. Those suffering from arthritis need to learn how to manage their pain. This involves not focusing too much on it, eliminating stress, asking for help, getting a good night sleep, and learning how to calmly relax.
PPPPP
Word Count 733
|
Arthritis and Driving: Tips for Ease Those suffering from arthritis may find it difficult to walk to the car and ...
read more
Arthritis Pain Relief and Supplements: What You Need to Know Do you suffer from arthritis or know someone who does? ...
read more
Arthritis Pain: Can Supplements Help? Do you suffer from arthritis? Are you tired of suffering? Do you want it to ...
read more
Arthritis Pain: Daily Tips to Gain Control If you suffer from arthritis, you may not only experience joint pain and ...
read more
Arthritis Patients: Do You Need Surgery? If you have recently been diagnosed with arthritis or if you suspect you have ...
read more
Arthritis Relief: How to Choose a Supplement If you suffer from arthritis, you may look high and low for relief. ...
read more
Cayenne Pepper and Arthritis Relief Most arthritis sufferers turn to their medicine cabinet to seek relief. A medical professional typically ...
read more
Common Types of Arthritis and Treatment Options Do you or someone you know suffer from arthritis? It is a common ...
read more
Foods That Can Help Arthritis Sufferers Do you suffer from arthritis? If so, over-the-counter pain medication may become a common ...
read more
Free Ways to Seek Arthritis Relief Do you suffer from arthritis? If so, pain relief is important. Without it, you ...
read more
Home Remedies for Arthritis Pain Relief Do suffer from arthritis? If so, the relief of symptoms is vital. Your ability ...
read more
How to Prevent and Manage Arthritis Pain If you suffer from arthritis, pain becomes a part of your life. Even ...
read more
How to Seek Arthritis Relief When Shopping Do you suffer from arthritis? If so, just functioning from day-to-day may seem ...
read more
How to Treat Osteoarthritis at Home Osteoarthritis is a painful type of arthritis. It is caused by the wear and ...
read more
Instant Arthritis Relief: Is It Possible? If you have arthritis, you know pain. In fact, you know it well. There ...
read more
Parents: Is Your Child Suffering from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis? All parents want the best for their children. No parent wants ...
read more
Juvenile Arthritis: What It Is and Treatment Options When it comes to arthritis, we automatically think of the elderly. Yes, ...
read more
Natural Remedies for Arthritis Relief Do you suffer from arthritis? Is the pain and discomfort so debilitating that you want ...
read more
Osteoarthritis in the Knees: 10 Pain Relief Options Do you suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees? If so, you know ...
read more
Over-the-Counter Products for Arthritis Relief If you suffer from arthritis, your physician has likely already suggested over-the-counter products to relieve ...
read more
Over-the-Counter Pain Pills: Your Arthritis Relief Options If you suffer from arthritis, you also suffer from pain. With some forms ...
read more
Pros and Cons of Natural Arthritis Relief When it comes to treating the pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with arthritis, ...
read more
Pros and Cons of Over-the-Counter Arthritis Pain Relief When it comes to arthritis pain and discomfort, many patients want relief ...
read more
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Early Treatment When diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, many patients instinctively prepare for a life filled with pain. ...
read more
Seek Arthritis Relief with Apple Cider Vinegar Do suffer from arthritis? Are you tired of the aches, pains, difficulty moving, ...
read more
|
|
|
Disclaimer:
The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in
the creation of this website, notwithstanding the fact that he does not
warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate
due to the rapidly changing nature of the Internet.
This site
is a common sense guide to Common Types of Arthritis and Treatment Options. In practical advice websites,
like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of income made.
Readers are cautioned to reply on their own judgment about their
individual circumstances to act accordingly.
This site
is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting or
financial advice. All readers are advised to seek services of competent
professionals in legal, business, accounting, and finance field.
Any
perceived slights of specific people or organizations are unintentional.
|