The word “arthritis” comes from the Greek word arthron meaning “joint” and the suffix -itis meaning “inflammation.” All forms of arthritis begin with inflammation of one or more joints, and some forms can spread and affect other organs as well. Arthritis tends to cause pain and stiffness in your joints, limiting your movement, and affecting your daily life.
This condition has more than 100 types, and it affects one in five adults in the United States. Contrary to the popular belief that it only manifests in older people, arthritis can affect people of any age, even children.
Thanks to advancements in modern medicine, there are many treatments available for the various types of arthritis. Let’s talk about some of its most common forms and who you can talk to about finding relief from the pain and stiffness.
Common Forms of Arthritis
Some of the most common types of joint inflammation are the following:
Osteoarthritis
Among the many different forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis, it develops as the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones in a joint break down – resulting in the rubbing of bones together, causing pain and swelling. This type can affect any joint in the body.
Although it is more common in older people, osteoarthritis may develop in younger people due to the overuse of joints from playing sports or from high-impact professions, such as construction. This condition can worsen over time and may reduce your mobility and your ability to perform your job.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in pain, swelling, and deterioration of joints. This type of arthritis develops more often in the hands and feet, and it can spread to other non-joint organs. RA is more common in people over the age of 30 and affects women more frequently than men.
Gout
This type of arthritis is characterized by pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints, particularly in the big toe. It is believed to be due to excessive uric acid in the body from a diet rich in animal fats and proteins. In most cases, it affects one joint at a time. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water in order to counteract the uric acid levels.
Psoriatic Arthritis
About 30% of people who have psoriasis of the skin will also develop this form of arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition like RA. Symptoms of this condition include swollen toes and fingers, and nail changes.
Arthritis Management in Grand Junction, CO
Arthritis pain and stiffness can hinder you from performing your normal everyday activities and your profession. Although a cure for arthritis has yet to be discovered, many treatment options are available to manage its symptoms.
Our medical team here at WorkPartners Occupational Health in Grand Junction, Colorado, offers comprehensive diagnostic care and treatment for your arthritis. Our board-certified doctors and physical therapists are always ready to provide the best treatment for your joint problems.
If you have any questions about our medical services or would like to find out more, contact us today by calling our friendly staff at (970) 241-5585. You may also fill out our online request form. Let us help your team get back to work and back to life in no time!
