Arthritis is a broad term for more than 100 conditions that affect the joints and the tissues around them. Each type has distinct causes and symptoms, and some develop slowly while others cause sudden pain and swelling.
At Njinsky Medical Centre, experts go above and beyond to figure out the type of arthritis. This helps them make a proper assessment for promising treatment. Let’s read through this guide for a quick look at some major types of arthritis and their symptoms.
Defining Arthritis
Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints and the tissues around them. It can affect people of any age and often makes movement difficult. Below are some of the most common symptoms of this disease:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty walking or using the affected joint
- Warmth around an inflamed joint
- Changes in joint shape in some conditions
Types of Arthritis
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1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It develops when cartilage and other joint tissues gradually break down over time, most often in the knees, spine, hands, and hips. Because it develops slowly, initial symptoms may be mild and tend to become more noticeable with activity or use of the affected joint. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain during movement
- Stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Swelling
- Reduced movement
- Joint tenderness
- Grinding or clicking sensations in some joints
- Difficulty performing everyday activities
The following factors can increase the likelihood of this type of arthritis:
- Age
- Previous joint injury
- Repetitive joint stress
- Abnormal joint structure
- Excess body weight
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune arthritis. The immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue that lines the joints, leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA is not caused by gradual wear-and-tear of the joint tissue. It often involves multiple joints, most commonly the hands, wrists, and feet, though it may also occur in other parts of the body. This is why prompt medical evaluation may be crucial. Possible symptoms include:
- Joint swelling
- Persistent stiffness
- Joint tenderness
- Pain in multiple joints
- Fatigue
- Reduced joint movement
- A general feeling of illness in some people
3. Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, though it doesn’t affect everyone with the condition. It can affect both the joints and the areas where tendons or ligaments attach to bones, and the specific joints involved vary from person to person. A health care provider can use a physical examination along with the patient’s symptoms and medical history to aid in diagnosis. Symptoms may include:
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Lower back pain
- Nail changes
- Pain around tendons
4. Gout
Gout is one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis. It occurs when uric acid crystals build up in a joint, which can trigger sudden and intense inflammation. The big toe is a common site, though gout can affect other joints as well. It tends to occur in episodes, or flares, with symptoms often improving in between. Medical evaluation can help determine whether gout is responsible for recurring joint symptoms. A gout flare may cause:
- Sudden severe joint pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Significant tenderness
5. Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. Symptoms vary from person to person, but persistent back pain and stiffness are not necessarily due to a routine muscle strain and warrant medical attention. It can cause:
- Lower back pain
- Spinal stiffness
- Reduced flexibility
- Pain around the pelvis
- Stiffness that may be worse after inactivity
6. Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis can develop after certain infections, most often those affecting the gut or urinary tract. It causes joint pain and swelling, and appropriate medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and guide treatment. Possible symptoms include:
- Joint swelling
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Eye inflammation
- Urinary symptoms in some cases
7. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t only affect adults. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) refers to a group of inflammatory disorders that occur in children. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), JIA is the most common form of chronic arthritis in children. It can cause:
- Joint swelling
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Reduced movement
- Difficulty with normal activities
8. Arthritis Associated With Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect several parts of the body, including the joints. Because lupus can involve organs beyond the joints, it requires a broader medical assessment. Joint symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Discomfort in several joints
Regenerative Medicine and Arthritis
Regenerative medicine is an area of ongoing medical research. It explores approaches that may support tissue repair and healing. At Njinsky Medical Centre, stem cell therapy for arthritis is offered with promising results. A patient’s suitability for these advanced treatment options may depend on:
- Type of arthritis
- Severity of joint damage
- Age
- Medical history
- Current symptoms
- Overall health
- Previous treatments
- Condition of the affected joint
Concluding Remarks
There are many types of arthritis. Experts at Njinsky Medical Centre believe that understanding the type is the key to caring for patients with arthritis. That’s why they perform a detailed assessment of every patient, which helps them choose the best treatment for each patient. Feel free to consult experts at Njinsky if you are suffering from persistent joint pain or stiffness. Timely and proper diagnosis is the first step to promising treatment.
