People tend to use arthritis as if it is a term for a singular condition, but in fact there are over 100 different forms and types of arthritis. Nevertheless, most arthritis conforms exactly to its Greek root word origin meaning "inflammation of the joints." The primary differentiation between the types is based on what causes this inflammation.
Osteoarthritis
The single most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis; it is estimated that 3 percent of the world's population is affected. Osteoarthritis is associated with the effects of weight on joints like the hip, knee, feet and spine. As people age, their bodies are less capable of bearing this weight properly. However, aging alone does not cause osteoarthritis; genetics is know to play a major role.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common form, affecting an estimated 1 percent of the U.S. population. This is an autoimmune form of arthritis, meaning it is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Rheumatoid arthritis is quite aggressive and debilitating, so quick diagnosis and proper treatment are vital.
Gout
Gout is actually a form of arthritis. Gout is caused by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in the joints. Gout is often associated with eating rich food, especially liver, intestines and tongue. While this kind of food contributes to making gout worse and longer-lasting, anyone with a genetic predisposition can get gout regardless of diet.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is often found in people already suffering from psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by rash-like symptoms. This kind of psoriasis usually spreads quite quickly, and so must be treated before it can get out of hand and cause serious pain for people while walking or climbing stairs.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is usually the culprit when a very young person is diagnosed with arthritis. It occurs as a reaction to an infection, especially in the intestinal or urogenital system, which refers to the organs used for reproduction and waste disposal. Treatment has proven very effective in dealing with reactive arthritis.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a type of arthritis in which the predominant symptom is a painful response to being touched, as well as pain in the tendons, muscles and joints. It is estimated that as much as 2 percent of the population of the U.S. has fibryomyalgia; the majority of sufferers tend to be women.
Polymyalgia Rhematica
Polymyalgia rheumatica typically does not onset until after the age 50. It is characterized primarily by extreme stiffness and accompanying aching in the neck, hip and shoulders. The symptoms are similar to other conditions and so may go improperly diagnosed, which presents a serious problem because this is an extremely treatable form of arthritis.
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