Arthritis is a group of diseases in which there is damage, deformation and limitation of mobility of the joints. They show characteristic symptoms such as pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. In most cases, they have similar causes and treatment. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but only a few are most commonly diagnosed. Find out what the types of arthritis are.
Arthritisis a group of diseases in the course of which the articular cartilage becomes inflamed, and consequently leads to damage, deformation and limitation of mobility. The characteristic symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling and stiffness (especially in the morning) of the joints, as well as the widening of their contours. The skin over the diseased joint is usually red, but it can be slightly warmer. In addition, other organs may also be affected in the course of arthritis. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but only a few are the most common. Their causes are not fully understood. It is believed that most of them are autoimmune diseases, i.e. those resulting from the body's own autoimmune disease.
1. Osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis)
Osteoarthritis belongs to the group of 10 most severely disabling diseases in the world. According to The Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In the United States alone, 27 million people struggle with it. In Poland, it is 8 million patients. The cause of osteoarthritis is a disorder of the quality and quantity of articular cartilage. Its first symptoms usually appear between the ages of 40 and 60.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
The second most common type of arthritis. According to The Arthritis Foundation, 1.3 million adults struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. It can be assumed that in Poland about 200,000 people suffer from RA. The disease appears between the ages of 40 and 55, much more often in women. The causes of the disease are unknown. It is presumed to be the result of an autoimmune effect. Genetic factors are also important. In addition to the typical symptoms of arthritis, there is another one - nodules may appear above the joints, most often around the elbowssubcutaneous rheumatoid nodules.
3. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
This is an arthritis that occurs before the age of 16 and lasts for 6 weeks or more. It is considered the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease of the developmental age. In the case of JIA, not only joints are damaged, but also bones, muscles, skin, tendons, but also eyes, vessels, lungs, heart and gastrointestinal tract. Growth disorders of the whole organism, i.e. short stature, as well as inhibition or acceleration of the growth of individual bones may occur.
4. Spondyloarthropathies (SpA)
Spondyloarthropathies are arthritis involving the joints of the spine, the characteristic symptom of which is back pain. This pain may appear at night (improves after getting out of bed) or during the day (improves after exercise). Characteristic is the lack of improvement after rest. The disease most often appears after the age of 40.
Spondyloarthritis includes:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- reactive arthritis
- arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue of unknown causes. The disease causes damage to many organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, cardiovascular, central and peripheral nervous systems.
Other types of arthritis are systemic sclerosis and fibromyalgia.
6. Gout (arthritis, gout, gout)
Gout is a disease whose characteristic symptom is thickening of the big toe joint and restriction of its movements. The cause of the disease is an excess of uric acid in the synovial fluid.
7. Arthritis related to infection
Arthritis can be a complication after an infection. Most often it is Lyme disease (Lyme disease) and rheumatic fever (most often it is a complication of angina)
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish Medical Conference "Polish Woman in Europe", organized by the Association "Journalists for He alth", as well as specialistworkshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.
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