What is Arthritis?
Arthritis, in particular osteoarthritis (OA), refers to degeneration of joints that results in reduced synovial tissue at the affected joint, osteophyte formation, reduced articular cartilage and meniscus.
OA is the most common type of arthritis affecting over 25% of the population over the age of 18 years old. The progressive loss of cartilage and osteophyte formation can result in variable degrees of inflammation, stiffness and pain and presents as chronic pain.
Risk factors for arthritis are previous joint injury, obesity, aging and heredity
There are different types of arthritis. Over here, we will discuss the most common type, OA as well as an autoimmune derived type of arthritis called Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Common Types of Arthritis
There are a few types of arthritis common between patients. Some of them are discussed below:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis, often referred to as OA, is a common and degenerative joint condition that primarily affects the cartilage within joints.
Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing them to move smoothly against each other while also providing a cushioning effect.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint gradually breaks down and deteriorates, leading to a range of symptoms and joint-related issues.
Common Causes
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that primarily affects the cartilage, which is the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of bones where they meet in a joint.
Here are some of the most common causes and risk factors of osteoarthritis:
- Age
- Joint Overuse
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Joint Injury
- Hormones
- Inactivity
- Joint Misalignment
- Bone Density
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis (OA) can manifest with a range of symptoms, and the severity and specific symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Joint Pain
- Swelling
- Grating Sensation
- Reduced Range of Motion
- Stiffness
- Instability
- Tenderness
- Difficulty Performing Daily Activities
- Bone Spurs
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects the synovial joints of the body. RA is associated with disability and makes it difficult for individuals to perform their everyday activities of living.
This condition is more common in females than males and is predominant in the elderly.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which is often the result of wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, particularly the synovium (the lining of the membranes that surround the joints).
Common Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which means it is primarily caused by an abnormal immune system response.
Several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including:
- Genetics
- Autoimmune Response
- Hormonal Factors
- Age
- Other Autoimmune Diseases
- Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Like Smoking
Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, and the severity and specific symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Joint Pain and Stiffness
- Difficulty with Daily Activities
- Morning Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Joint Swelling
- Joint Deformities
- Eye Inflammation
- Loss of Range of Motion
How to Tell What Type of Arthritis I Have?
Wondering what type of arthritis you are suffering from? Watch this video from clevelandclinic.org to understand the differences between OA and RA, each one’s symtoms and how to choose the right treatment option.
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Arthritis Pain Relief Programs by Fulcrum Therapy
Pain from arthritis is frustrating, painful and even debilitating. Although arthritis is not reversible, there are things you can do to help with symptom management and to slow the progression of the disease.
At Fulcrum Therapy, our Coquitlam practitioners will help you understand how the body processes pain, different types of pain and how it affects individuals differently based as well as the psychosocial components as they relate to pain from arthritis and chronic pain.
The arthritis treatment options we offer at Fulcrum include:
Scheduling a Treatment Session for Arthritis Do NOT Require A Doctor’s Referral.
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