COMMON TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

​Arthritis is a broad term that refers to inflammation of the joints, often causing pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, warm and reduced mobility. There are more than 120 different types of arthritis, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. There is no cure to arthritis but there are many treatment and management options to help control and maintain the symptoms. 

Here's an overview of some common types of arthritis:
  1. Osteoarthritis (OA) (骨关节炎 Gǔ guānjié yán) - This is the most common form of arthritis, often referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. OA commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility.  OA development increases with age and it is more common in women than men, especially after the age 50.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) (类风湿关节炎 Lèi fēngshī guānjié yán): RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the synovium (the lining of the membranes that surround the joints). This leads to inflammation of the joint ling, joint pain, and potential joint damage. RA can affect multiple joints, typically in a symmetrical pattern, and can also cause fatigue and general malaise.  Usually, the joints of hands, wrists and knees are affected. Joint damage can cause long-lasting chronic pain, imbalance and deformity.  RA can affect at any age but the development increases with age and highest among adults from sixties.  
  3. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) (银屑病关节炎 Yín xiè bìng guānjié yán): This type of arthritis often accompanies psoriasis, a skin condition. It affects the joints and skin, causing joint pain, swelling, and skin patches. Psoriatic arthritis can vary widely in severity and the joints affected.  It can affect any age group but more often between the ages of 30 to 50.
  4. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) (强直性脊柱炎 Qiángzhí xìng jǐzhù yán): AS primarily affects sacroiliac joints (where the spine connects to the pelvis) and ligaments of the spine. It may also affect other joints of the knees, ankles and hips. It causes inflammation of the vertebrae and can lead to fusion of the spine over time, resulting in stiffness and reduced flexibility.  Symptoms of AS vary from person to person.  Some people have mild pain that come and go but some can have severe pain.  AS is a disease that can affect other parts of the body, other symptoms can happen.  This may include; pain and stiffness in other joints,  inflammation of the eye, loss of appetite, difficulty when taking deep breaths if joints connecting to the ribs are affected, fatigue, abdominal pain and loose bowel movements.
  5. Gout (痛风 Tòngfēng) - Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe joint pain, swelling, and redness. It often affects the big toe and at night but can impact other joints of the ankle and knee as well.  Men are more likely to develop gout than women after the age of 40 and women after menopause.  Rarely youngsters develop this disease but if they do it can be more severe.  Gout is the most controllable form of arthritis when diagnosed and treated early.
  6. Fibromyalgia (纤维肌痛 Xiānwéi jī tòng) - This is a chronic disorder that causes pain all over the body which leads to tenderness throughout the body, fatigue, sleep problems, emotional and mental distress.  Anyone can get fibromyalgia including children but it usually starts at middle age and women are more likely to get it than men.  People with fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain.  Anyone who has lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are also more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
  7. Lupus Arthritis: Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and swelling, along with a range of other symptoms affecting various organs. It happens when a person's immune system is very active and has trouble moderating itself leading to inflammation in the bloodstream which serves all organs in our body.  Inflammation can be manifested in any organ.  Some may experience inflammation in the skin and joints, others in several areas.
  8. Childhood Arthritis or Juvenile Arthritis: This refers to several types of arthritis that affect children of all ages. Juvenile arthritis can impact joints and cause symptoms similar to adult forms of arthritis. It can cause permanent physical damage to the joints of the child which lead to difficulty in doing everyday things like walking and dressing.  It may result in disability.  Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent joint damage.
  9. Reactive Arthritis: This type of arthritis develops as a reaction to an infection, often involving the urinary or gastrointestinal systems. It typically affects the joints, eyes, and urethra.  It causes entire fingers and toes to swell like sausages and not only at the joints.  It may be accompanied with eye infection and urinary problems.
  10. Septic Arthritis: This is caused by a bacterial infection within a joint, leading to severe pain, swelling, and fever. It requires prompt medical treatment to prevent joint damage.
  11. Lyme Arthritis: Lyme disease, caused by a tick bite carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can lead to joint inflammation and pain if left untreated.

These are just a few examples of the many types of arthritis. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you suspect you have arthritis or are experiencing joint-related symptoms. Treatment options vary based on the specific type of arthritis and its severity, and they can include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.
Though arthritis is not life threatening, early arthritis treatment is crucial to prevent disabilities that will reduce one’s quality of life.  Effective treatment is available for most forms of arthritis.


Support of Arthritis in Singapore
The National Arthritis Foundation (NAF) - set up in 1984, a public organization in Singapore devoted to helping Arthritis sufferers and supporting Arthritis research.  For more information, call 6227 9726 or 8899 6935.

Singapore Ankylosing Spondylitis Club (SASC) - formed in 1990 under the umbrella of the National Arthritis Foundation.  For more information, call 6227 9726.

The Lupus Association (Singapore) - a self-help group dedicated to support and assist lupus patients.  

The Juvenile Arthritis Club (JAC)  - a non-profit voluntary organization which is under the umbrella of the National Arthritis Foundation. It is a medical support group that looks for ways to provide support for these children with Arthritis and their families.


More Articles
TCM Approaches in Treating Knee Pain
Common Types of Knee Pain
Treating Osteoporosis and Bone regeneration in TCM


References
Joint Pain and Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis
Gout
Living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)