Types of Arthritis

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The term Arthritis has been derived from ‘arth’ which means joint, and ‘itis’, which means inflammation. It is an umbrella term which includes over 100 types of arthritis, mainly affecting the joints, causing redness, swelling, heat, stiffness, and pain in the affected area. These can range from comparatively mild forms of bursitis and tendonitis, to forms that are crippling, like Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The types of arthritis also include disorders like systemic lupus Erythematosus and pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, which affect all parts of the body. The pain that accompanies the various types of arthritis usually is caused due to the inflammation of the lining of the joint. While many types of arthritis do affect the elderly, however, there are also types that children also get. Also, although the incidence of arthritis rises with age, however, almost 3 out of 5 people get affected by arthritis below the age of 65.

Many of the types of arthritis given below can result in permanent damage to the bones, joints, skin, and organs.

Osteoarthritis: Also referred to as degenerative joint disease, this type of arthritis is caused due to wear and tear, and is associated with aging. It affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, spine, feet, and base of the thumb. Mechanical and genetic factors are thought to play a major role. Some of the other risk factors are obesity, trauma to the joint, and repetitive use of the joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: In this type of arthritis, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, resulting in pain in the joint, swelling and stiffness. Therefore it is known as an autoimmune disease. It is a disabling disease which becomes a chronic condition. Early diagnosis is often difficult since the symptoms are subtle in the beginning and worsen gradually.

Psoriatic Arthritis: This has many similarities with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly due to it being an autoimmune disease. It often affects people who get afflicted with psoriasis. The joints get inflamed, accompanied by swelling and pain, and if left untreated can lead to the joints becoming crippled.

Gout: This type of arthritis is caused due to a disorder of the metabolism of uric acid in the body, which results in crystals of uric acid being deposited in the joints, particularly the big toe, resulting in it becoming red, swollen, and very painful.

Juvenile Arthritis: All types of arthritis that affect children are included under the umbrella term juvenile arthritis. The most common type of arthritis that affects children is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, of which there are three types: pauciarticular, referring to just a few joints; Polyarticular, which means it affects several joints; and systemic, wherein the entire body is affected. Juvenile arthritis is diagnosed when the symptoms last for at least 6 weeks.

Infectious Arthritis: This type of arthritis is caused due to infections by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. For example, septic arthritis occurs because of infection by bacteria; tuberculous arthritis, because of tuberculosis; viral arthritis, because of viral infections; Gonococcal arthritis affects those who are infected by gonorrhea; fungal arthritis, because of a fungal infection.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a chronic disease and highly inflammatory, mainly affecting the spine. It can lead to the fusing of the vertebrae resulting in a rigid spine. One of the most common symptoms is low back pain, along with stiffness, which continues for several months. Usually this type of arthritis affects men in the age range of 16-35, though women can also be affected.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica: This affects people after the age of fifty and it causes severe aching and stiffness of the shoulders, hips, and neck. Since other conditions have similar symptoms, it is often difficult to diagnose it accurately. However, if diagnosed early enough, it usually responds well to treatment.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is an autoimmune disease which affects the entire system along with several internal organs. It usually occurs in women in their child-bearing years. Since this disease can be life threatening, it is important for it to be diagnosed early and treated.

Fibromyalgia: This type of arthritis affects the soft tissue of the body and is caused because of a defection in the neurotransmitter function in the brain. It is characterized by stiffness, tenderness, and achy pain of the muscles.