Common Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is quite simply joint inflammation, and over 100 different types are currently known. Four of the most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is caused by the normal wear and tear from everyday movements. As our joints move back and forth, the cartilage that cushions the bones in the joints wears away. Once this cartilage deteriorates enough, bones will begin rubbing together and cause pain.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Deep, achy pain
- Joint inflammation
- Joint stiffness
- Difficulty completing activities of daily life due to joint pain
- Morning stiffness that usually lasts for less than 30 minutes
- Stiffness after resting
- Pain when walking
- Swollen, hard to move joints
- Joints that are warm to the touch
- Lack of full range of motion in affected joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that is still not entirely understood. It happens when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own joint tissue. Small joints in the hands, feet, or wrists are most often affected.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Pain in the joints, usually more than one at a time
- Stiffness in the affected joints
- Swelling in the affected joints
- Asymmetrical pattern to physical symptoms
- Morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Abnormal lab results
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is another autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation. It affects people who also have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes scaly and silvery patches on the skin. These patches are caused by the same immune system attacks that cause joint inflammation.
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
- Swollen fingers and toes
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Spondylitis
- Pitted nails
- Discolored nails
- Nail crumbling
- Nail bed separation
Gout
A gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, usually in the big toe. Gout results from either an overproduction of uric acid or the body’s inability to flush out excess uric acid.
The symptoms of gout include:
- Sudden, intense joint pain
- Joint discomfort after the intense pain subsides
- Joint swelling
- Tenderness at the affected joint
- Joint stiffness
No matter what type of arthritis you’ve been diagnosed with, there’s a regenerative medicine practice out there that can help. Use our free search tool to locate practitioners near you and get some relief from your arthritis symptoms today!
