What Are the Most Common Types of Arthritis Disorders

Arthritis is a general term for more than 100 diseases affecting joints, the tissues surrounding the joint, and other connective tissues. Arthritis can range from a mild annoyance to a debilitating condition and is even the leading cause of disability in the United States. There are many different types of arthritis disorders, and we’re going to give an overview of the most common types in this article.

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic inflammatory disorder that can end up affecting more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage various body systems, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Since rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disorder, it occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can affect many different body systems, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

While there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatments can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize joint damage and prevent or delay disability.

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is perhaps the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones starts to break down. This can happen with age, injury, or normal wear and tear.

OA can end up affecting any joint in the body, but it most often affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. The symptoms of OA can vary from mild to severe. They may include: 

• Pain that gets worse with activity or after periods of rest
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
• Swelling
• Crunching or grating sound when moving the affected joint
• Reduced range of motion

OA is a progressive disease. This means it gets worse over time. However, there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of OA and slow the progression of the disease.

If you think you might have OA, it’s essential to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of OA can help slow down the disease’s progression and improve your quality of life.

Psoriatic Arthritis

 Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis that generally occurs in people with psoriasis — a condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Arthritis generally involves the joints, tendons, and ligaments and can affect different joints in different ways. In some cases, only a few joints are affected, while in others, arthritis is more widespread.

There is yet to be a cure for psoriatic arthritis, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and improve quality of life.

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary from mild to severe and can change over time. They may include: 

• Joint pain and swelling
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis)
• Inflammation of the ligaments (enthesitis)

Psoriatic arthritis can also cause fatigue, eye inflammation, and nail changes.

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is still unknown, but psoriatic arthritis is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People living with psoriatic arthritis tend to have an increased risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression. 

Final Thoughts 

There are many different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It can also lead to more serious problems, such as joint damage and disability. Treatment for arthritis usually involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

If your arthritis develops into a disability, you can trust Avard Law to represent you in your social security disability claim. We are a disability attorney in Fort Myers that help social security disability clients with their social security disability cases. Get in touch with us today!