Types of Arthritis

  • Arthritis
    Arthritis is often seen as a disease that affects the elderly but it can affect people of all ages. According to the Arthritis Foundation, two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65. And more people in their late 30s and 40s are now being diagnosed with the condition 
Submitted by Content Loader on 10 June 2014

Different types of arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is the most common type of arthritis. It involves wear and tear damage to your joint's cartilage — the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection. It appears most frequently appears in the weight-bearing joints like hips, knees and hands. Commonly seen in old age.
              
 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
This is a systemic disease that can affect the entire body as well as the joints. The body's immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. The joint becomes inflamed and swollen, and the cartilage and bone within the joint can be destroyed. It commonly affects the hands and wrist joints.

But, in addition to damaging the joints, it can cause problems with the lungs, skin, blood vessels, eyes, etc. Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs earlier in life, i.e. 25-35 years of age and affects multiple joints on both sides of the body.
                                              

Ankylosing spondylitis
This is a type of arthritis that affects the neck and spine. The vertebrae may fuse together, causing the spine to grow stiff. The acuteness of this varies.

Infectious arthritis
This is a more rare arthritis that occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infections in another part of the body.

  

Gout arthritis
This condition is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. It is usually characterised by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis — a red, tender, hot, swollen joint, for example, the big toe.

Juvenile Arthritis
This occurs in children 16 or younger in age. It refers to a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Juvenile arthritis can affect the eyes, skin and digestive tract as well as the joints.

 

Community
Muscle, Bone and Joint (earlier named Arthritis)
Condition
Arthritis

Stories

  • Aqua therapy - a fitness solution beyond joint pains
    Struggling with joint aches and pains and not able to exercise. Is Aqua Therapy an option for you? PatientsEngage speaks to Mumbai-based Deepali Jain, a certified aqua specialist and fitness expert and Sucheta Talwar who conquered fear of water and severe arthritis with aqua therapy.  What is Aqua Therapy? Aqua Therapy is a specialized form of water-based exercises and work outs for relaxation, fitness, health benefits and rehabilitation. It refers to the use of water for…
  • 20 tips on managing Arthritis - an E-book
    Did you know that even 30-40 year olds are getting diagnosed with Arthritis and that women are 2-3 times more prone to Rheumatoid Arthritis. So we have compiled all that you need to know about arthritis in a single e-book  What is arthritis? Types of arthritis How to avoid arthritis? How to manage arthritis To download the book, click here: https://www.patientsengage.com/arthritisbooklet Join our community on arthritis: https://www.patientsengage.com/communities/muscle-bone-…
  • Caregiver Training Video - Touch Therapy
    This is a caregiver training video resource from HCA Hospice Care, Singapore.  It shows how you can gently massage to soothe an elderly person or a patient.   
  • Management of Arthritis
    How to manage arthritis ​You may be prescribed the following medications depending on the cause of the arthritis: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/arthritis/treatments Rest and exercise People with arthritis should exercise. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there is strong evidence indicating that both endurance and resistance types of exercise provide considerable disease-specific benefits for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatic conditions (www.…
  • How to Prevent Arthritis
    Can it be prevented Maintain your ideal weight: Increased weight on the load-bearing joints, like knees, ankles and hips, makes you highly susceptible to osteoarthritis. Losing weight cuts the risk of arthritis. Exercise regularly: Try to exercise at least 20 minutes for three days a week if exercise is vigorous, or 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Practice yoga or simple stretching. These exercises strengthen the muscles around joints. Quit smoking, as it weakens bone health…
  • Arthritis
    What is it  The word “arthritis” means joint inflammation, and it's used to describe different diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround joints, and other connective tissue. Arthritis is often seen as a disease that affects the elderly but it can affect people of all ages. According to the Arthritis Foundation, two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65. And more people in their late 30s and 40s are now being diagnosed with the condition. As…
  • Causes of Arthritis and Risk factors
    What causes arthritis Although the exact causes are unknown, it is believed to include the following: Genetics Injury Infection Lifestyle related factors, primarily, smoking, diet, use of oral contraceptives and excessive coffee intake Obesity  Environmental factors, like stress Autoimmune conditions (your body's own immune system attacking the joints, causing inflammation - warmth, swelling, tenderness - within the joints) Are you at risk Are you: 65 or above in age: The risk of…
  • Arthritis Treatment
    Medications: ​You may be prescribed the following medications depending on the cause of the arthritis: Topical pain-relieving creams, rubs, and sprays. These medications are applied directly to the skin over the joints to relieve pain. Pain killers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen) Medications that suppress the immune system such as prednisone (steroids).Biologics are lately being used to treat Rheumatoid arthritis that is not responding enough to traditional medication. These are…
  • Arthritis Symptoms and Signs
    Some signs and symptoms of arthritis require urgent medical care. If you have any of the following, you should seek medical care as soon as possible: One or more swollen joints Fever Weight loss Inability to function due to joint pain or swelling Overall sense of feeling ill, accompanied by fever, joint swelling and joint pain Sudden weakness of specific muscle groups Burning pain, numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation around joints. Symptoms depend on the type of arthritis you have:…
  • Arthritis Tests and Diagnosis
    The process of diagnosing arthritis involves several steps. The doctor will record your medical history and give you a physical examination. He/she may also recommend laboratory tests, imaging tests (such as x-rays), and other tests as required. Laboratory and imaging tests are sometimes, but not always, needed to determine the cause of arthritis. These tests may include: X-rays: To see a detailed picture of the bones. However, for many types of arthritis, changes in the joint are not visible…

Latest Stories

Booklet