Types of Arthritis you must know about

Arthritis, which is commonly associated with old age, affects over 350 million people worldwide. There are several different types of arthritis, and depending on the type, it can be acutely painful and interfere with daily activities, or it can go unnoticed for years and be easily managed.

What exactly is Arthritis?

Arthritis is simply the inflammation of one or more joints. The majority of people experience common symptoms such as pain, swelling, and/or decreased range of motion. Although the symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type, but they usually include joint pain and stiffness.

Arthritis is basically an umbrella term for more than 100 various bone conditions that affect the joints, surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues.

However, talking about so many types of arthritis might make this article a bit too lengthy. Thus, here, let us discuss about the top five types of arthritis and their symptoms:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is majorly a type of arthritis in the knee and is most commonly caused by overuse of joints. It can either be caused through physical activity, obesity, or past or present injuries. This condition usually affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, feet, and spine and develops gradually.

Symptoms:

• A deep and aching pain.
• Dressing, combing your hair, gripping objects, bending over, squatting, or climbing stairs may become difficult.
• Morning stiffness that lasts for less than 30 minutes.
• Walking causes pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most painful types of arthritis; it affects both joints and surrounding tissues, including organs. This inflammatory, autoimmune disease mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing painful swelling in joints such as the hands, wrists, and knees.

Symptoms:

• Chronic, long-term pain
• Loss of balance or physical changes
• Damage to the surrounding tissues

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis and joint inflammation are common in people with this condition. This type of arthritis typically starts developing between the ages of 30 to 50. Nevertheless, it can begin as early as childhood. It affects both men and women equally. Skin disease (psoriasis) usually appears first.

This type of arthritis is characterized by patchy, raised, red, and white areas of inflamed skin covered in scales. It typically affects the tips of the elbows and knees, the scalp, the navel, and the skin around the genital areas, also known as the anus.

Symptoms:

• Swelling in the fingers and toes.
• People who have it frequently have pitted or discolored fingernails.

Spondyloarthropathies

Out of many different types of arthritis, Spondyloarthropathies are quite prevalent among people. This is an autoimmune diseases that attack the joints where tendons and ligaments connect to bones. Your spine will most likely be the most affected. It typically affects the spine and pelvis, but it can also affect other joints throughout the body.

Other spondyloarthropathy conditions can affect your hands and feet’s peripheral joints.

Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness, particularly in your lower back

Gout

A uric acid crystal buildup in a joint. It’s usually your big toe or another part of your foot. Many a time, you wake up with a sudden, sharp pain in your big toe. This is gout pain. However, drugs, stress, or another illness can all trigger a gout attack.

Even if you don’t treat it, the attack will last between 3 and 10 days. It could be months or years before you have another one, but attacks may become more frequent over time. They may also last longer.

Symptoms:

They almost always appear suddenly. In this type of arthritis, you’ll notice the following:

• Intense joint pain: It will most likely affect your big toe, but it could also affect your ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, or fingers.
• Discomfort: Even after the sharp pain subsides, your joint will continue to ache.
• Redness and inflammation: The joint will be red, swollen, and tender.
• Stiffness: Your joint will be stiff and difficult to move.

Lupus

Lupus is a type of autoimmune disease. It can have an impact on your joints as well as many organs in your body. Researchers aren’t sure what causes lupus, but something causes your immune system to malfunction. Instead of attacking viruses and other invaders, it begins to cause inflammation and pain throughout your body, from joints to organs to the brain.

Women of childbearing age are more likely than men to develop lupus.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Foot, leg, or hand swelling or swelling around the eyes
• Rashes on the skin, including a “butterfly” rash across the cheeks
• When exposed to cold, blue or white fingers or toes develop.
• Anaemia and low levels of white blood cells or other blood disorders.

Want to know more about different types of arthritis and their treatments? – Consult our surgeon Dr. Muthana Sartawi

Dr. Muthana Sartawi is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon and, in fact, is a pioneer of Same-Day Knee Replacement Surgery in the middle east.

With his extensive knowledge of the various types of arthritis, he can be your ideal choice for your arthritis treatment in Dubai. He understands how important it is to provide patients with the most up-to-date information about these conditions so that they can make informed decisions about the kind of care they are looking for.

If you or someone you know suffers from any form of arthritis, book an appointment with Dr. Muthana Sartawi today for a comprehensive consultation and evaluation to determine which treatment options are right for your particular situation.