Arthritis

The term arthritis covers a group of inflammatory and degenerative conditions that cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. Arthritis may also be linked with disorders such as psorasis and Crohn’s disease.


What are the types?

There are several different types of arthritis, each having different characteristics. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which most often involves the knees, hips, and hands and usually affects middle-aged and older people. Cervical spondylosis is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the joints in the neck.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a damaging condition that cause inflammation in the joints and in other body tissues, such as the membranous heart covering, lungs, and eyes. The disorder has different effects in children.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an other persistent form of arthritis that initially affects the spine and the joints between the base of the spine and the pelvis. Other tissues, such as the eyes, may also be affected. The disorder may eventually cause the vertebrae (bones of the spine) to fuse together.

Reactive arthritis typically develops in susceptible people after they have had an infection, most commonly of the genital tract or intestines. Reactive arthritis most often causes inflammation in an ankle or a knee.

Both gout and pseudogout are types of arthritis in which crystals are deposited in a joint, resulting in swelling and pain.

Septic arthritis is a relatively rare condition that can develop when infection enters a joint either through a wound or from the bloodstream.

Treatment depends on the type of arthritis. Painkillers, such as paracetamol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatoty drugs may relieve symptoms. Physiotherapy may keep joints mobile. Severely damaged joints may be replaced surgically.