Common Types of Arthrits: Know How to Cure?

Millions of people around the world suffer from arthritis. Unfortunately, there is no pill or therapy that could make arthritis go away permanently and dealing with joint pain can have a significant impact on person’s quality of life. Joint pain affects your mobility thus preventing you from doing things you used to do easily. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but only a few of them are quite common across the globe. This article will reveal the most common arthritis types and what you (or someone you know) can do to relieve, manage, and avoid pain.

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005 (last year for which statistics are available), 26.9 million adults in the United States suffer from this type of arthritis. Average annual prevalence was estimated to be 3.5% of 7.7 million.

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage which cushions ends of bones in your joints deteriorates. In people with osteoarthritis, cartilage which is usually slick becomes rough. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis usually develop slowly and they worsen over time. They include:

Painful joints

• Tender joints
• Stiffness of joints (particularly in the morning)
• Impaired flexibility
• Grating sensation when using the affected joint
• Formation of bone spurs around joint.

Unfortunately, Osteoarthritis can’t be cured entirely. What you can do is to reduce the pain, maintain adequate joint movement that would keep this arthritis type at bay. Below, you can see different ways osteoarthritis is treated as well as what you can do about it in your home:

• Medications – such as Acetaminophen or NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
• Physical therapies to strengthen muscles around joints and improve flexibility
• Using shoe inserts and other devices the reduce pain when walking or standing
• Exercise is important for patients diagnosed with arthritis. Make sure you do low impact exercises and avoid vigorous workouts
• When you are overweight or obese, your weight forms bigger pressure on your joints thus causing more pain which is why you should strive to lose weight
• Use warm compresses to relieve stiffness and ice packs to relieve pain
• Use over-the-counter gels and creams to relieve pain
• Use assistive devices such as canes, splits, scooters, walkers.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis and according to report published by CDC 1.5 million or 0.6% adults in the United States have this type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder which usually affects small joints in person’s hands and feet.

RA occurs when individual’s immune system attacks the synovium (lining of membranes that surround your joints). This leads to inflammation which thickens synovium. Tendons and ligaments which hold joint together start stretching and weakening. However, doctors aren’t quite sure what causes this process. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Warm, swollen, and tender joints
• Stiffness
• Fatigue, weight loss, fever
• Rheumatoid nodules (firm bumps of tissue under the skin on the arms).

Just like with osteoarthritis, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, you can do your best to manage it, relieve the pain, and make sure your mobility or quality of life doesn’t suffer. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include:

Intake of medications such as NSAIDs, steroids, biologic agents, DMARDs or Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
Physical therapy to learn how to keep your joints flexible
Surgery (recommended in case other treatments don’t work).

Here is what else you can do to relieve RA:

• Eat foods rich in antioxidants and include fruits and vegetables in your diet due to their anti-inflammatory properties
• Avoid inflammation-inducing foods
• Balance rest with physical activity
• Apply heat and cold therapies
• Manage and reduce stress
• Get plenty of sleep
• Drink green tea.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis (hence the name). Anyone can get psoriasis, regardless of the age, and men and women get it in equal rates. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) about 3% of the entire world’s population has psoriasis. Only in the US, there are 150,000 new cases of psoriasis each year. CDC reports that about 20% to 30% of people with psoriasis also get arthritis as well.

This type of arthritis occurs when person’s body or immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissues. But, scientists still don’t know what makes someone’s body turn against tissues and cells although they are convinced that underlying cause could be associated with environmental or genetic factors.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

• Foot pain
• Swollen fingers or toes
• Lower back pain.

Just like with other types of arthritis, there is no cure that could eliminate it entirely. Treatments include intake of medications and surgical procedures. Below, you can see what you can do to tackle this arthritis type:

• Protect your joints e.g. use jar openers
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Rest before you become too tired i.e. pace yourself
• Do low impact exercises
• Apply hot and cold packs
• Connect with people who have it
• Keep food diary to identify what foods trigger the pain
• Quit smoking.

Conclusion

Arthritis can have a significant impact on person’s life. Due to the fact there is no cure, frequent joint pain can limit person’s mobility and impair flexibility of joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and this article revealed the most frequent ones. Good thing is that even though there’s no cure that could eliminate arthritis, there are many things you can do to manage it and relieve the pain you experience. Remember, positive attitude matters as well.

References

http://arthritispainguide.blogspot.com/2016/02/tmj-tmd-know-complete-details.html

https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/natural-joint-pain-relief-supplements.html