Arthritis is the term given to a group of conditions that cause decreased range of motion, and inflammation, pain, and stiffness of the joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 300,000 children and 50 million adults in America suffer from arthritis, the causes and treatment options of which vary from one type to another.
For you to be able to get the most suitable treatment strategies, you need to identify the type of arthritis that you have and see your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis. Here are the most common types of arthritis, their characteristics, risk factors, and differences.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common, chronic joint condition, affecting millions of people all over the world. Characterized by the wear-and-tear of the cartilage in your joints, osteoarthritis is degenerative and frequently occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.
The cartilage cushions your bones to allow smooth joint movement, so when this part wears down, your bone directly grinds with another bone, causing reduced function and debilitating pain.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis are obesity, old age, being female, genetics, and other health problems like diabetes and hemochromatosis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition: your immune system attacks your body’s healthy cells, targeting the lining of the membranes around your joint. Inflammation then occurs, resulting in cartilage destruction and bone erosion. As the condition worsens, the tendons and ligaments in the affected area/s distend and weaken, resulting in joint misalignment and deformity.
It’s not yet known what triggers rheumatoid arthritis, but the risk factors affecting its development include the following:
- Age
- Being a female
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Cigarette smoking
- Exposure to asbestos and silica
Gout
Characterized by intense joint pain, and swelling and burning sensation on the affected area, this type of arthritis is common yet complex. It can occur on your big toes, wrists, fingers, elbows, ankles, and knees. The pain can happen suddenly, often in the middle of the night, and can become intense to keep you up. This is due to urate crystals – a buildup of excess uric acid in your blood – accumulating in your joints.
Having high quantities of uric acid in your body increases your risk of developing gout. The following are the factors that significantly contribute to such increase of uric acid level in your body:
- Diet
- Obesity
- Family history of gout
- Being male
- Age
- Other health problems like hypertension and diabetes
- Use of medications like low-dose aspirin and antirejection drugs
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect about four million adults in the U.S. alone, accounting for two percent of the adult population. A marked characteristic of this condition is widespread body pain. Current research suggests that this type of arthritis is amplifying the pain receptors of people with this condition, causing them to overreact to pain signals.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown. Nonetheless, doctors believe that it likely involves different factors that are happening together: genetics, infection, and physical trauma. Other risk factors for fibromyalgia are existing medical conditions like osteoarthritis or lupus. Women are also more often diagnosed with fibromyalgia than men.
Lupus
Like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks the healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation in different body systems like the joints and the brain. Because the sign and symptoms of this condition are similar to those of other medical problems, it is often difficult to diagnose. The most distinctive characteristic of lupus is a butterfly wing-shaped rash across both cheeks.
Experts believe that some people are more predisposed to this condition than others. Genetic, combined with environmental factors, are said to increase the risk for lupus. The condition may be triggered by exposure to sun, infection, and medications such as antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs. Risk factors for lupus include the following:
- Being age 15 to 45
- Sex (more common in women)
- Being African-American, Hispanic, or Asian-American
Arthritis Treatment in Maryland
There is no cure for the different types of arthritis, but there are available treatment options that can significantly improve the lives of those who are suffering from it. Seek medical help if you experience frequent joint pain and swelling.
Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder in Maryland has been providing premier orthopedic care to our patients since 1987. Our board-certified orthopedic doctors are trained and well-equipped in diagnosing and treating upper extremities problems, including arthritis. We have seven clinics across Maryland that are ready to assist you with your medical concerns. You may reach us at (410) 296-6232 or secure an appointment with us through our secure online form.
We also provide pediatric orthopedic care and sports medicine services. Let us give you the care that you deserve.
