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Arthritis – Types, symptoms, and risk factors

Arthritis is a chronic health condition characterized by tenderness or swelling in one or more joints. The primary symptoms include joint stiffness and pain, which worsens with age. There are different types of the disease, and treatment can vary depending on it. However, arthritis is incurable, and the treatments only help reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life. Below, we discuss the disease’s different types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors.

Types
There are different types of arthritis, such as:

Osteoarthritis
It is one of the most common types of the disorder that arises from the regular wear and tear of the joints. While osteoarthritis is more common in old age, young adults can also develop it due to poor lifestyle choices or injuries that put added stress on the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body. In this case, the immune system attacks the joints, resulting in inflammation. If not treated, RA can cause severe joint damage. Patients often experience concerns with the same joints on both sides of the body, like both knees or wrists. Also, one in every five people with RA develops lumps or nodules on the skin.

Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis is a health condition that causes raised, patchy, white, and red areas of skin on the body. It can affect the tips of the knees, elbows, navel, scalp, and skin around the anus or genital area. When individuals with psoriasis develop arthritis, the condition is called psoriatic arthritis.

Gout
It occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Gout mainly affects the big toe, causing pain and inflammation. The symptoms usually last three to ten days, even if untreated. The gap between two gout episodes is a few months or years, but they may become more frequent with time.

Symptoms
Here is a list of the condition’s common signs and symptoms:

Joint pain
Pain in the joint that gradually aggravates and worsens over time is a classic sign. This pain may be triggered by activity or after a long day at work.

Joint tenderness and swelling
Over time, arthritis worsens and results in tender and swollen joints that begin to hurt as the person presses them or indulges in physical activity.

Joint stiffness
One may experience stiffness when getting up from a chair after prolonged periods or waking up in the morning. If morning stiffness lasts over 30 minutes, it is a sign of RA.

Grating sensation or sound
A grating sensation or sound on moving a joint implies that the cartilage has worn out, and it could be arthritis. The issue is prevalent in the hip and knee but can affect other joints too.

Pain in a previously injured joint
Osteoarthritis may develop in a previously injured joint or a body part that suffered trauma. It can take a few weeks to years after the incident for the symptoms to occur.

Causes and risk factors
Unfortunately, the exact cause of most forms of arthritis remains unknown. But, researchers are assessing the role of lifestyle and genetics in the disease’s development. Some risk factors that increase a person’s chances of the disorder are:

Age
As a person ages, the joints get worn out; hence, the risk of developing joint diseases increases. Studies and surveys suggest around 60 percent of patients are between 18 and 64.

Genes
Arthritis may also develop as an outcome of a familial link. The risk is higher if a person has a family history of autoimmune diseases and inherited genes. Also, most types of arthritis are prevalent in women; the only exception is gout, which is more common in men.

Excessive use of joints
Some jobs require heavy lifting or repetitive movements that may stress the joints or cause an injury, resulting in arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.

Infection or injury
Fungi, viruses, and bacteria cause inflammation in the body. Sometimes, they may infect the joints, resulting in this health condition. People who sustain a joint injury during a workout or while playing a sport are also likely to develop arthritis in that joint.

Lifestyle factors
Adding a lot of processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugars to meals can trigger the disorder. A lack of physical exercise or a sedentary lifestyle also has the same effect.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, one may experience a decline in symptoms with proper treatment. For better management, patients can also make lifestyle changes, like exercise and healthy eating.

Disclaimer:

The content of the articles discussing symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects is solely intended for informational purposes. It is imperative that readers do not interpret the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are requested to use their discretion and refrain from treating the suggestions or opinions provided by the writers and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of licensed and expert healthcare professionals when necessary.

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