Detecting Arthritis Symptoms

With more than 10 different types of diseases and disorders categorized under single term "arthritis", one may think that diagnosing the right kind of arthritic disease is a mind-boggling task. The types of arthritis can be classified into different categories depending on the causes for arthritic conditions namely autoimmune disorders (wherein the immune system attacks its own body parts), genetically inherited disorders, microbial or viral infections, due to certain types of medication and drugs, due to general wear and tear (old age) and due to improper diet. The origin of this disease dates way back to prehistoric times, even in the bone remains of some Egyptian mummies. Currently nearly one in seven people are affected by arthritis in USA aged 50 and above.

The different types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and many more. Almost all forms of arthritis involve some sort of malformation or degradation of the joints and connective tissues. Apart from joints, other organs like skin, lungs, eyes, kidneys, blood vessels and nervous system can also be affected. The key symptoms to watch out for to detect onset of arthritis are swelling and stiffening of one or more joints, heating and reddening of skin surrounding the joint and difficulty in moving the joints. This is due to the eroding of the synovial membrane which lies at the interface of two joints and provides lubrication by secreting synovial fluid.

In case of rheumatoid arthritis, the patient suffers from chronic systemic inflammation which affects several visceral tissues apart from the joints and cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is a consequence of autoimmune disorders which results in elevated levels of rheumatoid factors (RF) in the serum. The tendon sheaths connecting the muscles and bones and the fluid sacs (bursae) which allow smooth movement of muscles and joints are severely affected. Apart from the joints, the other clinical manifestations of this disease include presence of rheumatoid nodules and ulcerations in skin, fibrosis of lungs, ischemic diseases of circulatory system and peripheral neuropathy. It can also result in recurrence of fever and substantial weight loss.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammation which is encountered by people suffering from the skin condition psoriasis. It is characterized by pitting and lesions in nails, spondylitis, eye inflammation, swelling of fingers or toes and joint deformity. Another form of arthritis which is extremely difficult to diagnose is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The symptoms are intermittent and inconclusive and it may take years to detect the disease correctly. It is an autoimmune disorder similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes, its effects can either be restricted to skin disorders like photosensitivity, butterfly or malar rashes on face, neck and scalp termed as Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus.

Gout arthritis is yet another form which is characterized by deposition of crystals of uric acid in the spaces between joints. This causes sharp pain, swelling, heating and reddening of the skin surrounding the joints. Excessive accumulation of uric acid in blood leads to bone erosion termed as ‘tophi'. Gout arthritis is referred to as the "rich man's disease" since it is associated with people who consume excessive alcohol and meat. These are the symptoms which give an overview of the different forms of arthritis.