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There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. It is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. People of all ages can get arthritis. Common symptoms of arthritis include swelling in the joints, pain, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. Sometimes they come and go according to the weather, something the person has eaten or not eaten, or the presence or lack of movement. The symptoms may remain the same for years, and then progress suddenly. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain. The condition can worsen to such an extent that it becomes difficult for the patient to move around, climb stairs, get up, or even walk.
Arthritis can also cause permanent joint changes. Some of these changes are visible, such as knobby finger joints or swollen knees. But most of the changes can only be seen through an x-ray. Some forms of arthritis can even affect the heart, the eyes, the lungs, kidneys, and the skin.
Arthritis is mostly caused due to wear and tear of the bones at the joints. In normal, healthier conditions, there is cartilage that prevents the bones from forcibly rubbing against each other during movement. They also carry lubricants that help the joint bones rub against each other without harm. This way they provide a flexible connectivity at the joints and allow them to bear the pressure of weight, stretching and movement. Sometimes the quality of these cartilages begins to deteriorate. They can no longer provide cushioning to the bones.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body begins to attack itself. It begins to consider the cartilages of the joints harmful and prevents the nutrients from reaching there. Without sufficient nourishment, the cartilages begin to weaken and eventually break. With no protection between the bones, the bones rub against each other, causing injury and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is known to affect older people between the ages of 40 and 60, but it can affect at any age.
There is a difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Whereas osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is caused because the immune system begins to attack synovium, the lubricants that nourish the cartilage and keeps the bones from rubbing against each other with force. A timely arthritis test can tell you what type of arthritis you are suffering from, and the treatment can be started accordingly. Tests like rheumatoid arthritis factor test (both qualitative and quantitative) enable you to know if you are suffering from an autoimmune disease. To get the diagnosis confirmed, you can also get a CRP test or an ESR test done.