ARTHRITIS PART ONE

Arthritis is a blanket term for any condition that produces severe joint inflammation and stiffness. Over 100 varieties of arthritis exist, each with its own set of causes, symptoms, and therapies. However, the majority of the 40 million people living with arthritis in the United States develop one of the three most frequent forms. The most common types of arthritis, as well as how they are treated, are listed below. The most essential thing to know if you suffer one of these disorders is that you are not alone.

Osteoarthritis ,

The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It happens when joints are overworked and most commonly affects the elderly, although it can also affect persons who have had joint injuries or who are overweight. The weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, foot, and spine, are the ones most prone to osteoporosis. It's a loss of cartilage that leads to inflammation and unpleasant movements. Treatment and pain management are quite achievable, and something we at Carolina Arthritis Associations accomplish on a daily basis! Reduce the amount of work the injured joint has to do, physical therapy and exercise motions, prescribed pain relief medication, dietary changes, and warmth and ice can all be part of our prescription.

Rheumatoid Arthritis ,

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory illness in which the immune system assaults bodily parts, particularly the joints. The specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Some believe the immune system becomes "confused" after an infection or virus, while others believe substances in the body trigger it. In any case, this condition can strike suddenly or gradually, causing pain, stiffness, and edema in various joints. Swelling can progress to the point when routine tasks like opening a jar, going on a walk, or driving a car become difficult, if not impossible. New advancements have made it feasible to achieve more than ever before, particularly with aggressive and early intervention. If in doubt , see your family doctor

Psoriatic Arthritis ,

The skin and joints are affected by psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis causes patchy, elevated regions of the skin to emerge, which burn and itch. Psoriatic arthritis, which can cause swelling in the fingers and toes, affects around a third of those who have this skin disease. This type of arthritis commonly strikes people between the ages of 30 and 50, and it affects both men and women equally. Psoriatic arthritis is best diagnosed by a rheumatologist who is familiar with the disease's many nuances. The need of a thorough review of your medical history as well as a thorough physical examination with special focus to the joints, skin, and nails cannot be overstated.

Lupus ,

That's a lot of people in the United States who have been diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, also known as Lupus, but it's likely that many more are suffering from its symptoms without ever realizing they have this chronic, inflammatory, and sometimes fatal disease.

Lupus is classified as an autoimmune condition because it causes the body to fight against itself by destroying healthy tissue. Lupus comes in four main varieties, each with its own set of symptoms. The Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) awards grants to researchers working on Lupus cures and treatments because it is an autoimmune condition similar to most kinds of arthritis.

What exactly is lupus?

For many people, Lupus will strike once and then go into remission for months or even years, waiting to strike again. New drugs have made medical remission of Lupus achievable, thanks to the efforts of recent and prior research. There is still research to be done in order to develop new, better therapies and a cure.

Gout ,

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects a large number of people. Gout was originally known as the "King's Disease" because a high-protein, high-alcohol diet can promote a buildup of uric acid crystals, resulting in a gout flare. Gout normally affects one joint at a time, with the big toe joint in your foot being the most commonly afflicted.

As uric acid crystals pile up in your toe joint, they become extremely painful and make walking and moving around difficult. Repeated bouts of gout, if left untreated, can progress to gouty arthritis, a more aggressive form of arthritis.

Gout is most common in males and adults who are overweight or obese. Although there is no cure for gout, there are medications and dietary changes that can help you manage your symptoms.