Overview
Arthritis is a general term that describes over 100 conditions that affect the joints of the body, states MedlinePlus. Pain, inflammation and anatomical changes to the joint themselves are common features of arthritic conditions. Arthritis can be brought on by trauma and wear and tear, while other forms can be related to autoimmune processes (when your body's immune system attacks itself) or infection. While there are many forms of arthritis, only a few are responsible for most diagnosed cases.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and involves the breakdown of cartilage in one or multiple joints. Cartilage offers protection to your joints by acting as a shock absorber when pressure is placed on a joint. When this cartilage is damaged, bones in your joint rub together to cause pain, swelling and stiffness, explains MedlinePlus. In addition, bone spurs (small humps of bone) can form over time and increase the severity of your symptoms. OA is first treated with conservative measures, but surgery may be necessary if pain is severe.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, especially the small joints of the hands and feet. Knee, hip, elbow and neck joints can also be affected. RA also causes inflammation of tissues that surround the joints as well as other organs of the body, including the heart and lungs. Over time, continual inflammation can cause bone erosion and joint deformity. Unlike OA, RA can also cause other symptoms, including fever, fatigue and weight loss, states the Mayo Clinic. While there is no cure for RA, it can be treated with medications. However, in more severe cases surgery may be necessary to reduce pain and correct deformities.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PA) affects people who have psoriasis, which is a serious skin condition that causes thick, scaly, itchy and dry red patches. PA causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling that can range from mild to severe, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, no cure exists for PA, so treatment is focused on reducing the severity of symptoms and joint damage. Treatment options include prescription medications but rarely surgery.
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis (SA) is damage to a joint caused by bacteria. This can occur from bacteria spreading to a joint from other parts of the body or by direct infection of the joint itself. Signs of a joint infection include severe pain, swelling and warmth in the affected joint, according to the Mayo Clinic. With SA, symptoms of an infection include fever and chills. To treat SA, doctors prescribe antibiotics and may drain joints, if necessary. If treated early, patients will fully recovery from SA.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is triggered by an infection in another part of the body that causes painful and swollen joints in the knees, ankles and feet, according to the Mayo Clinic. This condition can also cause inflammation in the eyes, skin and urethra. As with SA, doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection that is causing reactive arthritis. In addition, other pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to treat the joint symptoms.
source : livestrong.com
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