Arthritis Symptoms
Of more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, these are the most common
types and their symptoms:
Osteoarthritis Arthritis Symptoms
Also called degenerative arthritis. Occurs when the cushioning cartilage in a
joint breaks down. Commonly affects feet, knees, hips, and fingers. Affects 16 million
Americans, mostly 45 and older. About half of those 65 and older have this form.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Immune system attacks the lining, or synovial membrane, of the joints. Joint
damage can become severe and deforming. Involves the whole body, and may also cause
fatigue, weight loss and anemia, and affect the lungs, heart and eyes. Affects about 2.1
million Americans, three times more women than men.
Gout Arthritis Symptoms
Causes sudden, severe attacks, usually in the big toe, but any joint can be
affected. A metabolic disorder in which uric acid
builds up in the blood and crystals form in joints and other places. Drugs and attention
to diet can control gout. Affects about 1 million Americans (70 to 80 percent men), with
first attack starting between 40 and 50 years of age.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis Symptoms
A chronic inflammatory disease of the spine that can result in fused vertebrae and
rigid spine. Often milder and harder to diagnose in women. Most people with the disease
also have a genetic marker known as HLA-B27. Affects about 318,000 Americans, usually men
between the ages of 16 and 35.
Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms
The most common form is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis diagnosis,
treatment, and disease characteristics are different in children and adults. Some children
recover completely; others remain affected throughout their lives. Affects about 200,000
Americans.
Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
Bone and other joint tissues become inflamed, and, like rheumatoid arthritis, it
can affect the whole body. Affects about 5 percent of people with psoriasis, a chronic
skin disease. Likely to affect fingers or spine. Symptoms are mild in most people but can
be quite severe. Affects about 160,000 Americans.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Symptoms
Involves skin, joints, muscles, and sometimes internal organs. Symptoms usually
appear in women of childbearing age but can occur in anyone at any age. Also called lupus
or SLE, it can be mild or life threatening. Affects at least 131,000 Americans, nine to
ten times as many women as men.
Other forms
Arthritis can develop as a result of an infection. For example, bacteria that cause
gonorrhea or Lyme disease can cause arthritis. Infectious arthritis can cause serious
damage, but usually clears up completely with antibiotics. Scleroderma is a systemic
disease that involves the skin, but may include problems with blood vessels, joints, and
internal organs. Fibromyalgia syndrome is soft-tissue rheumatism that doesn't lead to
joint deformity, but affects an estimated 5 million Americans, mostly women. The
approximate number of cases in the United States of some common forms of arthritis. |
