If you’re suffering from arthritis, it’s important to be familiar with the different forms of the disease. This article will provide basic information about each of them.
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What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes joints to become swollen and/or tender. There are different possible causes of the swelling. Furthermore, it is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Luckily, it is treatable if you seek out care from skilled physical therapists, such as the ones at Joint Academy.
Do Different Types of Arthritis Affect Different Joints?
Not only do different types of arthritis impact different types of joints, but there are key differences between the three primary forms of the disease. These are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Here’s what you need to know about each of them:
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the condition, and it occurs when the cartilage in your joints is worn down. As a result, the bones begin to rub against one another. This causes friction, which can lead to a considerable amount of pain. Luckily, there are surgical procedures that can permanently correct some forms of the condition in some cases.
In addition, you may be given medications to treat the pain that is associated with osteoarthritis. This can include opiate pain relievers as well as non-opiate treatment options, which often tend to have fewer side effects.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you’re suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to know that this is an autoimmune disorder. This condition involves the lining of the joints, which become swollen. As a result, this tissue presses against bone, which causes pain.
Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Due to the fact that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, the potential complications of this condition can be fairly substantial. Also, certain autoimmune disorders can raise your risk of osteoarthritis.
Not only that, but rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes, heart, and lungs. Luckily, there are effective treatments available, which can typically prevent the more severe manifestations of the disease.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis
If you suffer from psoriasis, you could be at risk of developing the psoriatic form of the condition. Luckily, treatments are available for it, which can dramatically reduce your chances of developing complications and significantly improve your quality of life.
However, if it is left untreated, there are some significant complications that it can cause. Here’s what you need to know about a couple of the more common ones:
Arthritis of the Back
This is one of the more severe manifestations of psoriatic arthritis, and it can limit your mobility. In severe cases, this complication can make it difficult to perform ordinary, day to day activities.
Neurological Effects
In some cases, psoriatic arthritis that is left untreated can increase your risk of mood disorders. This can cause impairment in day to day functioning for some individuals.
All Forms of Arthritis are Treatable
While many people simply associate arthritis with getting older, it tends to be fairly easily treated in most cases. However, the type of treatment that’s likely to be used varies significantly between different forms of it.
