Types of Arthritis – An Overview
Three common types of arthritis affect people of all ages. These types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile inflammatory arthritis. Each of these types of arthritis have different causes, but they all have one thing in common-they can cause pain that seriously inhibits everyday life. Learning more about the type of arthritis you have can make it easier for you to handle it as time goes on. Your doctor is one of the best sources of information, but taking initiative and learning on your own is helpful as well.
One of the most common types of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is autoimmune, which means that your immune system attacks your joints and causes them to become inflamed. Like all types of arthritis, this disease is chronic, but fortunately its symptoms can be treated. Symptoms can also come and go. Sometimes they may seem to go away completely while the disease is less active, but then they can flare again when the disease is more active. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of your hands, feet, wrists, knees, elbows, and ankles. These joints are commonly affected with other types of arthritis as well.
Osteoarthritis is also one of the more common types of arthritis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, though, this disease does not have one specific cause. Instead, its presence can be the result of several different factors. Some of these include heredity and lifestyle. Osteoarthritis affects some of the same joints as other types of arthritis, including the knees and feet. It also commonly affects the lower back and hips, as well as your neck and fingers. Like other types of arthritis, osteoarthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the joints, and it can make walking or lifting objects more difficult.
Finally, one of the other frequently seen types of arthritis is juvenile arthritis. There are several different types of arthritis associated with this disease. Common types of arthritis that are associated with this disease include oligoarthritis, in which four or less joints are involved. Juvenile arthritis is referred to as polyarthritis when five or more joints are affected. Systemic arthritis occurs when the entire body is affected, not just the joints. Girls seem to be at a higher risk for both oligoarthritis and polyarthritis. However, both boys and girls seem to be equally at risk for systemic juvenile arthritis. Fortunately, children who live with this disease can get treatment for their pain.
