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Arthritis (Adult)
Types of arthtitis
Some of the specific conditions are:
Osteoarthritis (OA) This is most common in hands, knees, hips, feet and spine. It usually develops gradually, over several years, and the cause is unknown. Healthy cartilage that covers the bone end in the joint is very smooth, strong and flexible. In osteoarthritis this becomes pitted, rough and brittle. Osteophytes (bony outgrowths) form at the outer edges of the joint, making it look knobbly and often there is some inflammation. The joint may become stiff and painful to move and occasionally swells. Whilst the pain itself can be very unpleasant, it does not generally make one feel unwell.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) This is an inflammatory disease which mainly affects joints and tendons. This inflammation causes damage and can go on for a long time, or come and go. The body’s immune system puts itself into reverse and attacks certain parts of the body instead of protecting it. This ‘auto immune reaction’ occurs mainly in the joints but in a ‘flare-up’ other organs can be affected. Tiredness and a general feeling of fatigue coupled with early morning stiffness, can last for several hours.
Secondary arthritis This sometimes develops after an injury which damages a joint although it may not appear until many years later.
Gout This is caused by uric acid crystals in the joints. When there is too much uric acid in the tissues, it can form crystals in and around joints. If crystals enter the joint space they cause inflammation, swelling and severe pain.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) This is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles in and around the shoulder and upper arm areas, buttocks and thighs. The cause of inflammation is unknown but PMR usually starts very suddenly. The main symptom is stiffness which usually restricts mobility, particularly in the early part of the day. This usually eases as the day progresses but often returns in the evenings. In contrast to RA the joints are not usually involved though occasionally there can be associated inflammation in joints such as the shoulder, hip and wrist. Frequently there is an associated loss of weight and appetite.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (see entry Ankylosing Spondylitis).
Lupus (see entry Lupus).
Background
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