Understanding Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent form of arthritis, and it occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This type of arthritis can affect any joint, but it most commonly affects the joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, stiffness, loss of flexibility, and a grating sensation when moving the joint.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. It primarily affects the lining of your joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. It can also affect other parts of the body and cause a variety of symptoms beyond joint pain.
Apart from these, other types of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, among others.
Treatment for arthritis focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include a combination of medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery in severe cases. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and protecting joints from injuries or overuse are important for managing arthritis. Additionally, a well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve overall joint health.
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