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Types of Arthritis
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If you have experienced pain, swelling, or inflammation of your joints, you may be wondering if you have arthritis. Arthritis is a disease with over 100 different forms. However, there are several forms that are considered the most common forms of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, also known as OA, affects the most people. About 12.1% of americans over 25 have signs of OA. This kind of arthritis is characterized by stiffness and pain in the joints most common in the knees, hips, fingers, lower back, and neck.
Rhumatoid arthritis (RA) is the second most common form of arthritis that affects the synovium of the joints. The synovium is the membrane that lines the joints. In RA, the membrane gets so inflamed and severe that it damages the cartilage, bones, and tissues.
Juvenile arthritis is a condition that affects children under 16 years old. Children can be affected with the same disease as adults, but the most common one is rheumatoid arthritis.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that doesn't affect the joints, but affects the entire body with pain and fatigue. It is an arthritis related condition characterized by tender points which when pressure is applied can be very painful.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is arthritis of the spine.
Gout is a disease where uric acid from bodily waste is built up in the body and strikes a joint. The uric acid from the waste can crystallize in your joint causing pain. This usually occurs in a single joint such as the ankle or big toe.
Lupus is an inflammatory disease that is common in the joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and feet. It is considered an autoimmune disease.
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