Arthritis is a disorder which occurs in many different forms but is primarily associated with damage to the joints, resulting in pain and discomfort for the sufferer. Incidence is increasing with increased life expectancy, and it is the most common cause of disability in those aged over 45 years old.
There are several types of primary arthritis and then there are those which occur secondary to other conditions. I will consider the primary forms initially.
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form of arthritis affecting over 20 million people in the United States alone. It is associated with degeneration of the joint due to inflammation. Inflammation is caused by the wearing of the cartilage of joints or a decrease in lubrication of the joint by synovial fluid, which may be exacerbated by reduced proteoglycan. Excess weight puts more pressure on the joints and makes the pain and stiffness much worse. This form of arthritis can occur on its own or as a result of a secondary condition such as diabetes, sports injuries, pregnancy and inflammatory conditions. Genetic studies have also identified a common gene between sufferers in the same family. Ethnic origin is also a factor related to susceptibility of this condition and white Europeans are more likely to get the disease than those of Asian origin.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting around 4 million people, where the body produces antibodies which attack the joints, lungs and skin. The result of this process is chronic inflammation in the synovium of the joints and associated pain. In most cases the joints of the hand and feet will be affected, but other joints may become involved also. Stiffness can be expected in the morning or after other periods of rest.
Septic arthritis
This is a serious condition associated with infection, commonly bacterial in origin, in the joints, and the most commonly affected joint is the knee followed by the hip. The normal mode of transmission is through the bloodstream, where bacteria may move from another infected site within the body to the bone, or from a cut on the skin surface where bacteria may enter through a broken wound. You are at a greater risk of developing this type of arthritis if you have recently have a joint operation, have inflammation associated arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, have recently had a broken wound or are immunocompromised and at greater risk of infection. This disorder is easy to recognise as one would expect to have a high temperature, swelling to the affected joint and associated pain and redness.
Gouty Arthritis
This is one of the more uncommon forms of arthritis affecting only 5% of the total arthritis sufferers and is caused by a build up of uric acid crystals in the joint. The most commonly affected site here is the big toe, although knees, feet, ankles, wrists can also be affected. Blood measurements of uric acid must be carried out and treatment initiated early to prevent the chronic stage of this disease.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
This is the most common form of arthritis in children and exists in three different forms. You may suspect your child is suffering if they are displaying some of the following symptoms including fatigue, poor appetite, limping and perhaps flu-like symptoms. In the US alone a few hundred thousand children have this debilitating condition.
Still's Disease
This is a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but can also occur in adults. It is characterised by symptoms resembling a fever such as an extremely high temperature accompanied by a rash, and pain in both the joints and muscle.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory disorder mainly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.
Arthritis also occurs secondary to many other conditions including lupus erthematosus, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, lyme disease, and Wegener's granulomatosis.
