A Guide to Different Types of Arthritis and Their Symptoms

Exploring the Various Forms of Arthritis

Arthritis encompasses multiple conditions, making it often misunderstood. The most prevalent types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout.

This article offers an overview of each form to enhance understanding.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder characterized by widespread pain without inflammation. It affects how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, resulting in a persistent burning sensation. Diagnosis is challenging since there are no specific blood tests or imaging results. Symptoms also include fatigue, sleep disturbances, concentration issues, and depression.

The next type is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the protective cartilage in joints deteriorates. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing severe pain. Damage can also involve the bone, synovium, and ligaments, with pain severity varying among individuals.

In rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune response targets joints and organs, attacking the synovium. This can cause lasting bone damage as the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy tissue as threats.

Psoriatic arthritis is another autoimmune condition characterized by joint inflammation resulting from immune system assaults. It affects tendons and ligaments attached to bones. Dietary choices like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, capsaicin, Dead Sea salts, oats, Oregon grape, tea tree oil, and turmeric may ease symptoms.

Gout represents a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals accumulating in joints. While it often impacts the big toe, other joints can also be affected. Excess uric acid results from overproduction or poor elimination, leading to sudden and intense pain episodes.