About Joint DiseaseTypes of ArthritisThere are two main categories of arthritis - Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis occurs as the wearing out process within a joint goes on. It is estimated that by 50 years old there is a 90% chance of you having change in your articular cartilage. The joints that are most affected are the ones that have the greatest weight bearing duties, such as the hips, knees and spine. In the majority of cases, it is the older population that is affected but increasingly more frequently it is seen in younger people who are at greater risk, either because of their work, sporting commitments or weight. The common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness. These will occur in the early stages. More latterly there will be crunching heard within the joint and deformity. Initially the pain will be present with activity and relieved by rest. As the pain becomes more severe it will be present at rest and in particular may be troublesome overnight. Stiffness is often noticed as it becomes more difficult to carry out normal activities, for example putting on shoes with an arthritic hip. The joint may become swollen and warm to touch. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made from the clinical history and examination but confirmed with X-rays of the joint. Click here to see how osteoarthritis is treated Rheumatoid arthritis There are many forms of inflammatory arthritis but rheumatoid arthritis is the most common. It usually first appears in early adulthood. It is usually seen in women and usually will present with symmetrical disease. Most commonly the joints of the hands are affected. The other significant difference with osteoarthritis is that it affects soft tissues as well and tendons, for example, may also become inflamed and sore. Swelling is usually a significant component of the disease. It is not known what causes rheumatoid arthritis. There appears to be a genetic predisposition to it but the trigger factor is not clear. The diagnosis is usually made again with the clinical history, examination and X-rays but with rheumatoid arthritis there is also a blood marker which in the majority of cases will confirm the diagnosis. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as a joint degenerates will be the same as for osteoarthritis, but will often occur in symmetrical joints, will often get worse and go into remission and will often be accompanied by a much greater swelling than with osteoarthritis. Typically the symptoms will be much worse in the morning and it may take patients minutes or hours in the morning to “get going”. As rheumatoid arthritis also affects other soft tissues, it is often accompanied with tiredness, weakness, fevers, anaemia and weight loss. Nodules may appear under the skin. Click here to see how rheumatoid arthritis is treated |
