3 Common Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of joints which is characterized by burning, stiffness, swelling and redness. Large numbers of people worldwide, irrespective of their age face this problem of arthritis. Arthritis has different effect on different people. Some of the people suffering from this problem are able to lead a normal life with minor aches and pains while others suffers from limited mobility and may even require the help of walkers and wheel chairs. There are many different types of arthritis but the 3 most common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis which results in a condition when cartilage surrounding the bones ends begins to get degenerate and there is no longer cushioning for the joints. This result in joints to get rub together. At the initial stages of osteoarthritis there are very mild symptoms which include stiffness and pain in the joints but gradually it can also lead to loss of motion and inflammation. Deformity can also occur in severe cases.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another very common type of arthritis and is also the most severe one. It is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis and is considered as an autoimmune disease as various factors besides wear and tear of cartilage can also cause this problem. Various organs like eyes, heart and lungs are also affected due to it. Rheumatoid arthritis generally affects both sides of the body joints.

Fibromyalgia is a type of arthritis which does not affect the joints directly but rather result in inflammation and the pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues under the skin.

Besides these, there are many other types of arthritis which may include gout, cervical arthritis, infectious arthritis, anklyosing spondylitis and many others.