Arthritis is a common chronic disease which can signicantly reduce the quality of our lives. Arthritis means joint inflammaon; sufferers experience redness, pain and stiffness in the affected joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. However, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the 2 most common types.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away, typically due to overuse or sports injury. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other and the redulting friction leads to pain and swelling. People above 60 years old and sportspersons are more prone to osteoarthritis. The symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that cuases chronic inflammtion of the joints, affecting tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Usually, it first appears between 25 to 50 year old, but it may occur at any age. Women are more commonly ffected than men. The cuase of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, genes, infection and hormones might be contributing factors. Rheumatoid artritis affects small joints such as fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles and toes. In serious cases, hips and knees are affected. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away, typically due to overuse or sports injury. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other and the redulting friction leads to pain and swelling. People above 60 years old and sportspersons are more prone to osteoarthritis. The symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:
- Joint pain, swelling and stiffness which is worse at the end of the day.
- Joint defomity and creaking
- Pain with limited motion or pain at resr in severe cases
- Most commonly affests large weight bearing joints such as knee, hip and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that cuases chronic inflammtion of the joints, affecting tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Usually, it first appears between 25 to 50 year old, but it may occur at any age. Women are more commonly ffected than men. The cuase of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, genes, infection and hormones might be contributing factors. Rheumatoid artritis affects small joints such as fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles and toes. In serious cases, hips and knees are affected. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:
- Swollen, warm and painful joins (often affecting both sides of the body).
- Muscle and joint stiffness that is usually most notable in the morning
- Fatigue, loss of appetite and low fever.