The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, known as the “wear-and-tear” arthritis, while rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition – is the second most common type of the condition. Other types of arthritis include cervical spondylitis, fibromyalgia, lupus, gout, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, secondary arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and ankylosing spondylitis.
Early diagnosis and treatment of an arthritic condition is essential so sufferers can get pain relief and learn how to live more comfortably and healthily with their symptoms. Many people often leave it late until they consult a doctor, perhaps dismissing joint pain as just a feature of old age or because it’s cold or early in the morning. But these symptoms may be the sign of something more serious and it’s important to get medical tests done quickly if you suffer any pain over a long period of time.
There are many different symptoms typical of arthritis and, depending on both the type and severity of your condition, you may experience all or only a few. Common symptoms include joint paint, stiffness and tenderness; inflammation and restricted movement in the joints; weakness and muscle wasting. If you are aged over 60 and have persistent low back pain, this could indicate that you have arthritis. Inflammation is most likely to feature in the symptoms of all types of arthritis and most treatments focus on reducing this.
There is no cure for arthritis but seeking medical help and using relaxation and exercise techniques to strengthen the joints and muscles can help sufferers manage their condition, reducing their symptoms and relieving their pain.