The MOST Common Types of Arthritis and How They Differ
Did you know that the most modest
classification of the medical term “arthritis” includes at least 50
types of conditions? Some classifications differentiate between over 100
types of arthritis. Still, most people can only name two:
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing what the term arthritis
means helps us understand so many types of arthritis that exist.
The word arthritis is derived from the Greek arthr- for joint and -itis,
medical terminology for inflammation. So, essentially, any kind of
inflammatory joint condition can be defined as arthritis, irrespective
of the cause. This also explains why the reported 50 million adults and
300,000 children suffering from arthritis across the US may experience
varying symptoms and require different treatments.
Understanding what kind of arthritis you or a family member has can help
you manage the condition more effectively and choose the best
treatments. These are the 8 most common types of arthritis.
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the type most of us think
of when we are asked to describe arthritis, and rightfully so. After
all, osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. According to
the CDC, it affects 32 million Americans.
Also known under the name degenerative
arthritis, this condition usually begins after age 50. This condition
occurs when the cartilage that lubricates your joints dissolves, making
the bones rub together. The excessive friction, in turn, produces the
all-too-familiar symptoms of the condition:
- Joint inflammation
- Morning stiffness
- Pain
- Limited mobility
- Bone injury
- Osteophytes, bony lumps (bone spurs) that appear around the joints or
spine.
Like most types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is diagnosed through joint
imaging, bloodwork, and a physical exam.
2. Thumb arthritis
A common subtype of osteoarthritis is thumb
arthritis. It affects the joint at the base of your thumb called the
carpometacarpal joint, and it can be confused with carpal tunnel
syndrome. The condition manifests itself through persistent stiffness,
swelling, or pain at the base of your thumb.
Women above age 40 are more likely to
suffer from this condition. Thumb arthritis requires early treatment
because it can be really debilitating and limiting to patients. The
severe hand pain patients experience interferes with one’s ability to
grasp items and complete everyday tasks like opening jars or doors.
Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis coincide with other types namely -
A simple way to test for thumb arthritis is
by touching the tip of your index finger and thumb so that it makes an O
shape. If the resulting shape resembles a D more than an O, this could
indicate thumb arthritis.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most
common form of arthritis. Despite popular belief, rheumatoid arthritis
usually occurs between the age of 30 and 50. Rheumatoid arthritis tends
to become rarer as you get older. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis is an autoimmune condition, meaning that it begins when the
immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.
Apart from the joints, rheumatoid arthritis
can damage other body parts, such as the heart, blood vessels, lungs,
skin, and vision. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are different
from those of osteoarthritis. For example, patients suffering from this
condition may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever years
before the joint symptoms appear.
A frequent symptom of rheumatoid arthritis
is Sjögren’s syndrome - a condition when your eyes and mouth are always
very dry. Joint symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis tend to begin in
smaller joints, namely the fingers and the toes.
Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis coincide with other types namely -
-Morning stiffness
- Tender and swollen joints that can be warm to the touch
- Firm bumps under the skin, commonly around the elbows.
4. Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs
when urate crystals accumulate inside the joins. These crystals cause
sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and extreme tenderness in one
or a few joints, most commonly the big toe. A gout attack can develop
within a few hours and may continue for days or even weeks.
Almost 4 percent of the adult American
population suffers from gout, and anyone can get it, although men are
slightly more likely to get it than women. A diet with too much protein
may also increase the level of uric acid in the blood, which could lead
to more urate crystal deposits in the joints.
Gout requires treatment to reduce the pain
and minimize joint damage. The affected joint can also become infected,
which requires urgent medical care.
5. Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis
that arises in patients suffering from psoriasis. The autoimmune skin
condition is poorly understood, but it has a genetic component and
usually develops in people aged 30-59. Psoriasis looks like red scaly
patches or white dots on fingernails, and it can spread to the joints.
Although the condition is the most likely
to affect the fingers, making them swell up and turn pink, any part of
the body, including the spine, can be plagued by psoriatic arthritis.
Joint swelling, stiffness, and pain are the most common signs of the
disease, and these symptoms can come and go, just like the psoriatic
skin rash itself.
6. Juvenile arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most
common type. This is a group of autoimmune disorders that affect
children 16 years old and younger. Like most arthritis types, juvenile
idiopathic arthritis causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints,
as well as fatigue and fevers.
Swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes are less common but can occur as
well. Unfortunately, the condition often causes complications, such as
misaligned joints, bone damage, eye damage, and it may affect the
child’s growth. If a child exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned above
for over a week, seek medical care.
7. Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is another
terrifying form of arthritis that makes the lumbar vertebrae fuse
together. It is more common in men than women, but the exact cause of
ankylosing spondylitis is unknown. The symptoms of the condition vary a
lot and can begin as early as late adolescence or in your 40s.
The condition starts with a feeling of stiffness or pain in the lower
back, but over time, it spreads to the shoulder, hips, and ribcage too.
The symptoms typically worsen during periods of inactivity, such as
sleep or long periods of sitting. The complications of the disease
include eye damage, problems breathing, and even heart damage.
8. Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is one of the
most commonly misdiagnosed health conditions of all. Lupus is an
autoimmune disease that affects the entire body, including your internal
organs and brain. It often damages the joints and other connective
tissue in your body. Joint pain due to lupus usually begins in the hands
and feet, and then spreads to other areas.
This condition is more prevalent among women than men, and it can cause
anything from fatigue, joint pain, and chest pain to hair loss, skin
rashes, and mouth sores. With lupus, diagnosing it as early as possible
to prevent severe damage to the internal organs is crucial. It is done
through a physical exam and blood tests.