It’s May. Did You Know that it’s Arthritis Awareness Month?
The best way to conquer arthritis, a disease that impacts over 50 million Americans, is to understand the different types of this disease and how to best manage it.
Understanding the Common Types of Arthritis with OrthoNY
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
This type of arthritis is caused by an abnormal immune system response that causes joint inflammation and pain. Other symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, and a low grade fever. Symptoms often come and go and may cause a flare of inflammation for days or months that can also affect organ systems. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can range from medication that eases symptoms like NSAIDs, to drugs such as cortisocsteriods that slow the disease. Surgery may be necessary for joint replacement if RA has caused permanent damage.
Osteoarthritis
Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint condition. It occurs when the cartilage between joints breaks down and causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. The cause of osteoarthritis includes excess weight, injury and overuse of joints, and genetics. Often the best way to improve symptoms is lifestyle changes like weight management, physical activity, and stretching. Medications, including analgesics, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid, can also help treat the disease.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This type of arthritis mainly affects the spine or back. Symptoms include chronic pain and stiffness that affects the lower back, buttocks, and hips, and worsens during periods of inactivity. Because of this, pain and stiffness are common during the night or in the morning. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen can relive joint pain and stiffness. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can treat Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Psoriatic Arthritis
About 30% of people with psoriasis, a skin disease causing itchy, scaly rashes, develop psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease resulting in joint pain, swelling, and stiffness from a faulty immune response. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help easy symptoms of inflammation.
How can I get involved in Arthritis Awareness Month?
During the month of May, check out the available tools and resources (http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/tools-resources/?_ga=1.252068301.570473416.1459951042) or get involved (http://www.arthritis.org/get-involved/) to help others.