When someone says “arthritis,” most people think of osteoarthritis because it’s the most common and one of the most recognized conditions. However, over 100 conditions are classified as arthritis, and the type determines the best treatment.
At all three locations of Apex Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, our experts work to help patients like you manage pain, including the joint pain so often associated with the various types of arthritis. In this post, we describe four of the most common types of arthritis and how they are typically treated.
As mentioned, osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease. It’s sometimes described as “wear and tear” arthritis. Just like anything, your joints are susceptible to wear over time.
Along with simply using your joints, other changes in your body as you age can affect joint health. For example, your ligaments and tendons become more brittle and prone to injury as you age, so your joints don’t have as much support.
Your joints are cushioned by cartilage tissue, which begins to degrade over time so that your bones don’t slide over each other as smoothly. Some common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but some treatments can help manage the condition so that you can live an active life. If you can take them, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve joint pain.
Exercise can help strengthen the structures supporting your joints. You may need physical therapy to learn targeted exercises. For some people, joint injections can help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
The second most common type of arthritis is an autoimmune condition. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and eventually pitting the bones.
Along with joint pain, people who have rheumatoid arthritis also often have extreme fatigue and may even have organ damage. Treatment as early as possible is the best way to slow the disease and reduce symptoms.
Many treatments are available for rheumatoid arthritis, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and a class of drugs called biologics. Although there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, some people do go into remission—have no symptoms—for many years at a time.
Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune disease and a type of inflammatory arthritis. People with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition affecting the skin, are most at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.
Treatments for psoriatic arthritis are similar to those for rheumatoid arthritis and include DMARDs and biologics. People with psoriatic arthritis typically work with a dermatologist to get treatment for the skin issues associated with psoriasis.
Gout is also an inflammatory type of arthritis but not an autoimmune disease. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid, which crystallizes in a joint and causes great pain.
The most commonly affected joint is the big toe. Gout flares are usually very sudden and very painful.
Gout treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods high in uric acid, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs. Other medications to reduce uric acid are often used when flare-ups happen.
If you’re experiencing joint pain, getting an evaluation from a qualified medical professional is important. The right treatment can make all the difference in the amount of pain you feel and the amount of damage that happens to your joints.
You can schedule an appointment at Apex Medical Center's most convenient location to learn more about arthritis and discuss your symptoms.
