What is Arthritis?

Many people are not aware of this, but the term arthritis does not refer to just a single condition. Instead, it actually is an umbrella term that includes over one hundred different conditions. You need to be aware of this and know that there are many more than just one type of arthritis that you can develop.

Although there are more than one hundred different types of arthritis that you can be diagnosed with, there are a few in particular that are very common. Arthritis is a joint disorder that features inflammation and which is frequently accompanied by joint pain as well.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types, affecting roughly 1 percent of the population. This is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints and while it is a chronic disease, meaning that it can last for years, patients may experience long periods of time without symptoms.

Another of the most commonly diagnosed types of arthritis is psoriatic arthritis. This is a potentially serious inflammatory form of arthritis that is often found in association with psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is a specific condition in which a person has both psoriasis and arthritis and it is an autoimmune disease which means that your cells and antibodies fight your own tissues.

There are various other types of arthritis as well that you may be diagnosed with, such as osteoarthritis which is also known as degenerative arthritis. This is the type of arthritis that most people think of as being associated with aging. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage and one or more joints.

Arthritis pain can be very extreme and can in fact get to be so bad that it is almost debilitating. Fortunately there are lots of different things that you can do to deal with your pain and get back to living a normal life, or at least as pain free a life as possible. Work closely with your doctor in order to find the one that is right for you and which is going to offer you the most effective results.

It may take a bit of trial and error but once you have found the right treatment you will see that it is more than worth it because you will have relief of your pain and will be able to live as great a life as you can.