The term arthritis refers to an inflammation of joints characterized by pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints. This disease affects the joints of various body parts such as fingers, wrists, hands, ankles, feet, spine, knees and hips. Depending on number of joints affected, there are two basic types of arthritis. In monoarticular arthritis, only one joint is affected, while in polyarticular arthritis or polyarthritis, many joints are affected. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, 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 related to 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. The diseases like multiple myeloma, osteoporosis, Fifth disease and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy resemble osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by breakdown of the cartilage. It can give rise to inflammation in joints and surrounding soft tissues and restricts the range of motion of joint. The joints of spine, feet, hands, shoulders, hips and knees are affected by this disorder. Aging, obesity, genetic factors, joint injury and some diseases are the main causes of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with inflammation caused by overactive immune system. This disorder mostly affects the smaller joints including those of wrists, knees, feet, hands, elbows and ankles as well as large joints such as hips, shoulders and jaw. It can also affect other organs such as musculoskeletal structures, skin, heart, lungs, digestive tract, kidneys, blood vessels, blood, eyes and nervous system. The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are inflammation, warmth, tenderness, redness, swelling, stiffness and pain in joints.
Gout results from the deposition of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid and synovial lining. People with higher levels of uric acid, obesity, high intake of food containing purines, high alcohol intake and abnormal kidney function are more susceptible to this disease. There is pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints of ankles, knees, feet, wrists, hands and toes.
Ankylosing spondylitis is caused by presence of HLA-B27 genetic marker and some bacterial infections. Possible causes of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are infections, inheritance and some unknown reasons. 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.
Pain, swelling and stiffness of joints are the most common symptoms of almost all types of arthritis. Other symptoms observed with certain types of arthritis are inflammation of other organs, gland swelling, fever, fatigue and weight loss.
