Arthritis causes difficulty moving, and frequent pain and swelling of the joints. With time, a swollen joint can cause serious injury. Some types of arthritis can also cause organ problems in the skin and eyes. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and many illnesses associated with them.
Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis, is usually related to lesions, due to excess weight or associated with aging. Osteoarthritis causes damage to the cartilage, which is the layer that covers the ends of bones and joints. Healthy cartilage can absorb shocks due to movement. As cartilage is lost, bones can rub against each other, which can cause permanent damage to the joints. Osteoarthritis can manifest itself in any joint, but it generally affects the hands, knees, hips, and spinal cord.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, and gradual loss of joint function. It’s more common in women than in men, and can appear for a short period of time or in serious cases, can be a permanent life condition. This type of arthritis can sometimes affect other organs like the eyes, mouth, and lungs. This is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it results from the immune system attacking your own tissue. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. There is also a type of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that appears in adolescents and kids 16 years and younger.
The treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include lifestyle changes, weight loss, administration of drugs, physical therapy sessions, and even surgery. For more information about arthritis, please visit www.arthritis.org [1]