Certain body changes should not be ignored at all, when we notice something different from usual, a medical helo should be sorted instantly. Arthritis may appear like a common word, but before we conclude on the fact that, it can never happen to us, we must remember that it could start with little pains and changes to the body that we need to pay attention to.
Arthritis is a term for the description of over 100 conditions that have to do with inflammation and joint damage. Damage is done to the tissues around the joint, as well as other connective tissues.
Osteoarthritis happens to be the most common type of arthritis, but there are several others. The common ones are;
Gout: A type of arthritis that comes in the form of flares, basically the big toe or lower limb.
Psoriatic arthritis: This affects the skin, joints, and regions that are attached to the bone. It can happen to people who have psoriasis.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: This is a very common form of chronic arthritis that affects children.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This type of arthritis is considered an autoimmune form, the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissues.
Ankylosing spondylitis: This is a type of arthritis that causes the inflammation of the joints and ligaments of the spine.
Reactive arthritis: This is caused by an infection in the body, symptoms will often go away on their own within a few weeks or months.
The appearance of arthritis would vary based on the type. The associated symptoms could either develop gradually or suddenly, and since it could be a chronic condition, then the symptoms could also come and go, lingering over time.
- These are fast signs of Arthritis that should lead one to the doctor instantly;
Consistent pain may come and go, it may affect either a part of the body or all body parts.
Body stiffness is a typical symptom too, it could either be persistent or happen after an exercise.
Some types of arthritis also bring persistent swelling, where the affected skin becomes red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
Extreme pain when getting up from a chair, could be an indication of arthritis.
These are examples of the types of arthritis mentioned above, but basically, the over 100 cases of arthritis we have can be classified into the following;
Inflammatory Arthritis: Inflammation is a usual part of the healing process of the body. Inflammation occurs as a form of defense against bacteria or viruses, as a response to burns and injuries, but in the case of inflammatory arthritis, inflammation could happen to people for no just reason.
In the case of Inflammatory arthritis, there is damage to the inflammation that does not happen due to the normal reaction to an infection or injury. Inflammation like this one is an unhelpful one and causes damage to affected joints, stiffness, swelling, and pain. It is under this type of inflammation that we have examples like; reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and others.
**Connective Tissue Disease (CTD): It is the function of connective tissues to bind together, support, or separate other body tissues and organs, which includes ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. CTD has to do with inflammation and joint pain, resulting in different symptoms including a painful joint.
Degenerative/Mechanical Arthritis: This category of arthritis, encompasses damage done to the cartilage that covers the end of the bones. Normally, the cartilage should be smooth and slippery in order to help the joints glide and move smoothly, but the presence of arthritis would cause the cartilage to become rougher and thinner.
To compensate for the changes in joint function and the loss of cartilage, the body would begin to remodel the bone with the intention of restoring stability. During this process, there is a development of unpleasant baby growth, called osteophytes.
Childhood Arthritis: Arthritis in children could result in permanent damage to joints without a cure, but there is a place for remission where the human system simply remains inactive.
Infectious Arthritis: When there is a penetration of bacteria, viruses, or fungi into a joint, it could result in inflammation. Joint inflammation can be treated with antibiotics or other antimicrobial medication. However, it is not always this easy because arthritis could become very chronic, and cause damage to the joint.
**Septic Arthritis: This type of inflammation occurs due to fungal or bacterial infection, basically affecting the hip and knee region. The risk of septic arthritis could be increased due to; artificial joint implants, chronic diseases or illness, presence of bacteria in the blood, recent joint injury, old age, and diabetes.
The pain associated with Arthritis is intense and severe, with appropriate treatment and timely management, an affected patient would be able to stay physically active and mobile.
There is a higher chance of getting arthritis if; there is a family history of arthritis, advancement in age, obesity, sex, and prevention of joint injury.
Going to the hospital when symptoms are noticed for a proper medical check-up and treatment is important to avoid complications. We could have a case of severe arthritis, especially when the hand or arms are affected, making it very difficult for us to carry out daily tasks. There are times when the joints gradually lose shape and alignment.
References.
https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/arthritis/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772