Oct 6, 2024
Many patients come to my office with a common concern: “I think I have arthritis.” But what does that really mean? Arthritis isn’t just one condition—it’s an umbrella term that covers over 100 different types of joint inflammation. Each type can have its own causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
The Importance of Knowing Your Arthritis Type
Understanding the specific type of arthritis you have is crucial. Not only does it help us choose the right treatment, but it can also reveal potential complications linked to your condition. For instance, the two most common types of arthritis—osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis—may have different impacts on your body.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Let’s start with osteoarthritis (OA). This is the “wear and tear” arthritis that many of us might encounter as we age. OA occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.
Key Features of Osteoarthritis:
- Causes:
- Wear and Tear: Our joints naturally experience wear over the years.
- Injury: Past injuries, whether from sports or accidents, can heighten your risk.
- Obesity: Extra weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips.
- Genetics: A family history of OA can make you more susceptible.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Now, let’s discuss rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a very different type of arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints. This can lead to significant inflammation, pain, and, over time, potential joint damage.
But RA doesn’t stop at the joints; it can also affect other parts of your body, including your eyes, lungs, heart, and skin. Plus, it can increase the risk of developing lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. That’s why it’s essential to know if you have RA—there are effective medications that can control inflammation and prevent joint damage.
Other Types of Arthritis
There are several other conditions that can cause arthritis, including:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Gout and pseudogout
Once you have a clear diagnosis of what is causing your arthritis, a personalized treatment plan can be made that addresses your unique situation.
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