Common Types of Arthritis

February 5, 2014

The Most Common Types of Arthritis

There are many kinds of arthritis. Here are four common types of arthritis we treat, with the signs to watch for.

Psoriatic Arthritis

In psoriatic arthritis, the immune system causes swelling in the skin. It also attacks the joints, so they get swollen and stiff.

About 85 out of 100 people with psoriatic arthritis had psoriasis first. The other 15 get psoriatic arthritis without ever having psoriasis. It can run in families. It has also been linked to strep throat.

Warning signs include:

• Small pits in the nails
• Tiredness
• Morning stiffness
• Red, sore eyes
• Heel pain and back pain

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent or limit joint damage. If you have any of these signs, call Bay Arthritis Institute today. Learn more about our psoriatic arthritis treatment in Panama City.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis affects the spine. It causes pain and stiffness from the neck to the lower back for more than three months. Over time, the bones of the spine may grow together. This makes the spine stiff. The disease can also cause extra bone growth. There can be pain in the ligaments and tendons too, because the tendons get swollen.

It’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment early. This helps prevent serious changes in the spine. If you have any of these signs, call Bay Arthritis Institute today.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness. It happens when the cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down. Then extra bone grows at the joint. The usual causes are aging joints, injuries and extra weight. The signs are different for each person. Medicine and exercise can treat it. Read about our osteoarthritis treatment in Panama City.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is a disease that can cause swelling all over the body. It can affect the lungs, eyes, skin, heart and blood vessels. It often starts between ages 25 and 50, but it can start earlier or later. Only about 3 in 10 people with RA are men. So female hormones may play a big role in who gets it.

RA is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling. To find it, doctors do a checkup and a physical exam. They may also take X-rays to look for joint damage.

The causes of RA include genes tied to the immune system. Infections from viruses or bacteria and hormones may also play a part.

The best early treatment for RA is medicine. It can prevent joint damage and can put the disease into remission. Exercise also helps keep joints moving and muscles healthy. See our page on rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Panama City.