Arthritis is a disorder of joints that causes pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. Both men and women with all age groups are affected by this disorder. There are two basic types of arthritis based on the number of joints affected. If only one joint is affected, then the condition is called as monoarticular arthritis and if many joints are involved, it is known as polyarticular arthritis or polyarthritis. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, pseudogout, polymyositis, fibromyalgia and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Primary types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and pseudogout, septic arthritis, Still’s disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Some forms of arthritis are associated with some other diseases which include lupus erythematosus, reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. There are some diseases which may resemble arthritis including multiple myeloma, osteoporosis, Fifth disease and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.
Almost all types of arthritis cause pain and inflammation of the joints which is known as arthralgia. It results from the degeneration of cartilage. The joints are covered with a spongy, protein substance known as cartilage which enables smooth and comfortable movements of the joints. Due to breakdown of cartilage, the joints becomes inflamed which may lead to stiffness, pain and limitations in mobility of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wearing and tearing of the cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is associated with inflammation caused by overactive immune system. Gout and pseudogout are resulted from the abnormal metabolism. Possible causes of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are infections, inheritance and some unknown reasons. Ankylosing spondylitis is caused by presence of HLA-B27 genetic marker and some bacterial infections. Another type of arthritis, reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome originates from the genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections as well as presence of HLA-B27 gene.
The major symptoms of all forms of arthritis are pain and inflammation of the joints which is characterized by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, warmth and tenderness. The joints of different body parts may be affected by arthritis. Some forms of arthritis can involve other organs such as skin, eyes, lung and heart. Other symptoms observed with certain types of arthritis are inflammation of other organs, gland swelling, fever, fatigue and weight loss.
Generally, arthritis is diagnosed on the basis symptoms, medical history, physical examination of the patient and some laboratory and imaging tests. The treatment options for arthritis include medications, physiotherapy, exercise, application of heat or cold and some surgical options.
