Understanding the various types of arthritis
Arthritis is a health condition that has several forms, which is why it can be quite confusing to comprehend it. The common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout.
The following article attempts to provide a brief understanding of each of these types.
- Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is considered to be a central pain syndrome and is not an autoimmune disease. It does not cause tissue inflammation nor does it damage joints or muscles.
In this condition, the brain and spinal cord perceive the pain signals differently. Burning sensation characterizes fibromyalgia. It ‘s hard to diagnose as there is no blood test and it cannot be viewed on imaging tests such as x-rays. The other symptoms associated with this condition are extreme fatigue, sleep problems, loss of concentration and depression. Osteoarthritis
Healthy joints have a layer of cartilage, and in osteoarthritis , this protective cartilage starts breaking-down or degenerating. Due to this, the bones forming the joints start rubbing against each other resulting in excruciating pain. Other parts of your joints such as bone, synovium, and ligaments can also cause pain. The level of the pain depends on the person and intensity of the osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis
In a healthy body, the immune system protects us from virus and bacteria. In rheumatoid arthritis , the joints and other organs come under attack from the body’s immune system. The immune system targets mainly joints called synovium, which is capable of inflicting a permanent form of bone damage. Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition. The immune system attacks the body resulting in severe inflammation and pain. The joint and the connective tissue where tendons or ligaments attach to bones are affected by psoriatic arthritis. Some foods can be used to alleviate pain and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. These are aloe vera, apple cider vinegar , capsaicin from hot peppers, Dead Sea salts, oats, Oregon grape, tea tree oil, and turmeric . Gout
Although this is a form of inflammatory arthritis , it does not cause inflammation throughout the body. If your body produces too much uric acid or if you are unable to eliminate the excess uric acid, crystals are formed in the joints. It has been observed that the large joint of the big toe is the affected area in most patients, but it can also affect other joints.
Healthy joints have a layer of cartilage, and in osteoarthritis , this protective cartilage starts breaking-down or degenerating. Due to this, the bones forming the joints start rubbing against each other resulting in excruciating pain. Other parts of your joints such as bone, synovium, and ligaments can also cause pain. The level of the pain depends on the person and intensity of the osteoarthritis.
In a healthy body, the immune system protects us from virus and bacteria. In rheumatoid arthritis , the joints and other organs come under attack from the body’s immune system. The immune system targets mainly joints called synovium, which is capable of inflicting a permanent form of bone damage.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition. The immune system attacks the body resulting in severe inflammation and pain. The joint and the connective tissue where tendons or ligaments attach to bones are affected by psoriatic arthritis. Some foods can be used to alleviate pain and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. These are aloe vera, apple cider vinegar , capsaicin from hot peppers, Dead Sea salts, oats, Oregon grape, tea tree oil, and turmeric .
Although this is a form of inflammatory arthritis , it does not cause inflammation throughout the body. If your body produces too much uric acid or if you are unable to eliminate the excess uric acid, crystals are formed in the joints. It has been observed that the large joint of the big toe is the affected area in most patients, but it can also affect other joints.
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