Different Types of Arthritis You Should Be Aware Of

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘arthritis’? You probably think about your parents or grandparents and how they often complain of their joint pains or the aches in their hands after a long day of work. 

These are examples of one of the most common types of arthritis, which is osteoarthritis. But did you know there are other types of arthritis, too? Here are some of the most common ones that you need to know about:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage between the joints starts to break down. It is a normal process that occurs in cartilage as they age, and it affects different parts of the body differently. For example, in the fingers, the joints can deform and cause the finger to curve inward. If the finger's middle joint is affected, it is known as the ‘bunion.’ Meanwhile, in the knees, arthritis can cause the bone to enlarge and the ends of the bone to rub against each other, which leads to swelling and pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is an inflammatory type of arthritis that affects the joints and other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe pain, swelling, and loss of function in the affected joints. It can also affect organs and other parts of the body.

This type of arthritis is characterized by the formation of hard lumps in the joints. These lumps are called nodules, which are made up of inflamed tissue, lymph nodes, and other fluids. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as “inflammatory arthritis” or “wear-and-tear arthritis.”

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when a person has psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes patches of red, scaly, and itchy skin to form. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints. It is often found in the knees, spine, and finger joints. Patients who have psoriatic arthritis also have psoriasis.

Juvenile Arthritis

This type of arthritis affects children and young adults under the age of 16. This can be a long-lasting type of arthritis that can affect one or more joints and can have an effect on the heart, lungs, or eyes. This type of arthritis is caused by an inflammation of the joints in the body. It primarily affects the large joints such as the hips and knees.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects the joints of the body and causes severe pain, redness, and swelling. Gout is characterized by red and swollen joints that are hot and tender to the touch. It is often characterized by a red and tender big toe but can also affect the wrists, knees, and other joints in the body. Gout can also cause sudden severe attacks of pain in the joints.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about the different types of arthritis that exist, you should be able to recognize when to talk to a doctor. If you or someone you know has symptoms of a kind of arthritis discussed here, see a doctor. Early treatment can help ease the symptoms and prevent serious complications from occurring. If you are already experiencing arthritis, a visit to a reputable chiropractor who can perform manipulation and facilitate specific exercises can provide you with some pain relief.

Trigo Chiropractic offers you the expertise of a seasoned chiropractor in Huntington Beach. Contact us today to set up an appointment!