Overview of Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Types.

So, what is Arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Its symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, etc. Any joint in the body can be affected by the disease, but it is particularly common in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is mostly known as “wear and tear” arthritis. This occurs when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of your bone gradually is worn down, resulting in pain, discomfort, and decreased quality of life.

Cartilage is the connective tissue in your joints which protects them by absorbing the shock and friction created while moving. A reduction in the normal amount of this cartilage, or its erosion, causes osteoarthritis. Sometimes infection or injury to the joints can exacerbate or accelerate this natural breakdown of cartilage tissue.

Often the joints may be:

RA is an autoimmune disease which can cause severe joint damage. People who have rheumatoid arthritis get lumps and bumps on their skin called “rheumatoid nodules”, often located over joints such as the knuckles, elbows, or heels. This gives rise to extreme discomfort, pain, and requires treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body’s immune system attacks the tissues of the body which affects the “synovium”. The synovium is a soft tissue in your joints that produces synovial fluid which nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints. RA can eventually lead to the destruction of both bone and cartilage inside the joint. The exact cause of the immune system’s attacks is still unknown, but scientists have discovered genetic markers that increase your chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

While there’s no cure for arthritis, quick diagnosis of arthritis and its type along with the right treatments can greatly reduce your pain and help you live a better life. In addition to the treatments your doctor recommends, you can make a number of lifestyle changes that may help you manage your arthritis like regular exercise, eating the right food etc.