Arthritis is not a single disease; it represents more than 100 conditions that affect more than 46 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States alone, the Arthritis Foundation reports. All of these different types of arthritis are related in that they affect the joints, which is where two bones meet, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. Various forms of arthritis may be caused by infections, such as mycoplasma arthritis, viral arthritis, syphilitic arthritis and gonococcal arthritis, but the most common types of arthritis are not caused by infections.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic condition, is an autoimmune disease--caused by the body's own immune system attacking the cells that line the joints. This causes damage to the joints resulting in swelling, pain and stiffness that can lead to a loss of function. RA affects about 1.3 million Americans; women are two to three times more likely to develop the disease than men, and the onset of disease is usually between ages 30 and 60 but can occur at any age, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different from other types of arthritis because it is symmetrical. This means that if the right knee is affected, the left knee also is affected. It typically affects the joints in the hands and feet but also may affect the shoulders, jaw, hips and knees. Patients suffering from RA also may experience fever, fatigue and a general ill feeling.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different from other types of arthritis because it is symmetrical. This means that if the right knee is affected, the left knee also is affected. It typically affects the joints in the hands and feet but also may affect the shoulders, jaw, hips and knees. Patients suffering from RA also may experience fever, fatigue and a general ill feeling.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative disease that occurs due to the breakdown of the cartilage in the joints. Although OA can occur at any age, it is most common in those over 65. According to information published in "Arthritis Today" by the Arthritis Foundation, more than 33 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis.
OA usually affects the weight-bearing joints, including the knees and hips, but also may develop in the hands and feet. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest, inflammation of the joints and muscle weakness. Over time, the joints may become deformed.
OA usually affects the weight-bearing joints, including the knees and hips, but also may develop in the hands and feet. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest, inflammation of the joints and muscle weakness. Over time, the joints may become deformed.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a common type of arthritis that affects the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs found between the bones and tendons, muscles and ligaments. The bursae provide cushion for the joint; however, overuse of a joint can cause the bursae to become inflamed, causing pain. Bursitis most often affects the shoulders, elbows or hips but also can occur in the knee, heel or base of the big toe. Bursitis causes achy, stiff joints that may hurt when pressure is applied and may appear red and swollen. If left untreated, the pain can escalate to sharp, shooting pains, and a fever may arise. Treatment includes resting the affected joint, applying ice and using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. With proper treatment, the symptoms of bursitis usually subside within a few weeks, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
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