Arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in patients. However, what most people do not realize is how many different types of arthritis there are. To diagnose and treat your arthritis, it is important to understand the various types and be able to distinguish between them. This can make it easier to find a solution.
Different Types Of Arthritis
Once you are able to identify the different types of arthritis, you will be able to find the correct treatment. Then, this is a useful distinction to be able to discuss with the orthopedic doctor treating your condition. At Paris Orthopedics, we are dedicated to helping relieve your pain and discomfort by identifying the true cause with accuracy.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. The Mayo Clinic details this condition as when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. It often affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Moreover, the symptoms of this particular type can be managed, but the joint damage cannot be repaired. These symptoms are pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of flexibility, grating sensation, bone spurs, and swelling.
Gout
Gout is a more complex form of arthritis. This is detailed as sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or multiple joints, often found in the big toe. For example, the feeling is often found as a sense that one’s big toe is on fire. Here, the symptoms are intense joint pain, lingering discomfort, inflammation and redness, and limited range of motion.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
As is sensed in the title, juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the type often found in children under the age of 16. This is detailed as persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The symptoms are known to last for months or even years. Here, the symptoms are pain, swelling, stiffness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. This type of arthritis can present itself in many different joints and is determined by identifying the symptoms that the child is exhibiting. Often, forms of this arthritis are seen in girls.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis commonly found in those who are also diagnosed with psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation defines psoriasis as an immune-mediated disease that causes inflammation in the body. Here, the main symptoms one may encounter are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. This must also be paired with the condition of psoriasis to diagnose this type of arthritis. There is no cure for this particular type of arthritis.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is another type of arthritis to consider. This is caused by an infection in another part of the body. It is often in the intestines, genitals, or urinary tract. This is not a common type of arthritis. After the infection, this arthritis presents itself 1 to 4 weeks later.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. It does not always just impact your joints. It can spread to other body systems from the skin to even the blood vessels. Your immune system is mistakenly attacking itself. Here, the symptoms are tender warm, swollen joints, joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis is another type that is less common but important to understand. For example, this is a painful infection in a joint caused by germs traveling through the bloodstream in another section of the body. Symptoms of this particular type are extreme discomfort and difficulty using the affected joint.
Finally, once one is able to identify the different types of arthritis, it is easier to diagnose the condition. While an orthopedic doctor would be able to identify it as well, it can make the process easier if the patient has some idea of it before even making an appointment. Are you suffering from one of the types of arthritis? Paris Orthopedics is here to provide diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Check out our website or give us a call at (903) 737-0000.
