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Getting to Know About the Common Types of ArthritisWhen a patient is diagnosed with arthritis, it's important to know what
kind of arthritis type it is and, of course, their doctor should tell
them. Typically, there are three common forms of the degenerative
disease. To learn more about each keep reading. OsteoarthritisThis
is the best known form of the disease, resulting in the degeneration of
the joints. Elderly people generally experience this most. Despite the
generality, osteoarthritis can surface much earlier in a person's life,
possibly caused by an injury, hereditary or congenital disorder,
metabolic disorder, or trauma. Osteoarthritis attacks the
smooth cartilage on the bone ends. After it's worn away, new born
forms, causing an overgrowth along with intense pain when the dry and
exposed joints move and grate together. The disease is not usually
associated with inflammation. Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatoid
arthritis is very different from osteoarthritis. With this form of the
disease, the immune system malfunctions, causing the synovial joints to
inflame. However, though inflammation is a common response of the
immune system, the body is unable to control it. This inflammation and
swelling weakens the ligaments and the joints. Disability or
even deformity can be the consequence. Opening a bottle or can,
grabbing a pencil to write, or shaking the hand of another person can
become seemingly an insurmountable chore necessitating that both hands
be utilized. This arthritis can worsen over time or possibly remain
dormant for a number of years before degenerating. The disease
is often diagnosed in 5 stages. Stage 1 has no visible or apparent
symptoms other than those that can be detected through lab analysis.
Stage 2 is accompanied by small amount of stiffness (usually in the
mornings) and some swelling. Stage 3 sees increased swelling
and decreased mobility. This is the stage where drug treatments are
usually introduced. Stage 4 experiences the disease spreading to the
cartilage and joints. A stage 5 diagnosis means the damage caused by
the rheumatoid arthritis is often irreparable. Rheumatoid
arthritis is typically identified during Stage 2 or Stage 3 and after
the patient has exhibited one or all of the following symptoms for a
number of weeks - joint stiffness, swelling in the joints, swelling
around the joints or swelling on either side of the joints. SpondyloarthropathiesThe
term spondyloarthropathies actually refers to a number of arthritic
disorders that affect the spine. Though it's the third most common form
of arthritis, it's actually a blanket term to cover conditions such as
psoriatic arthritis, intestinal arthropathy, reactive anthropathy,
Reiter's syndrome and more. If you suspect you have arthritis,
knowing the arthritis type of disease is critical to understanding your
treatment. And remember, early diagnosis is critical, so see a doctor.
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