Types of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumatic diseases are a group of conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones. There are several different arthritis and rheumatic diseases, each with unique symptoms and treatments. These diseases are also known as musculoskeletal disorders.
Difference Between Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
While arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease, many others affect people worldwide. Each type of arthritis and rheumatic disease has its unique symptoms and treatments.
Arthritis affects the joints, while other rheumatic diseases can affect any part of the body, including the muscles, bones, and organs.
Types of Arthritis
The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints. It is the most well-known form of arthritis and affects millions of people worldwide.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It affects more than one million Americans each year.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: This is a combination of arthritis and psoriasis.
- Gout: Caused by high uric acid levels, gout causes attacks in the joints that are extremely painful. The pain can be so severe that it wakes people up at night.
- Lupus: Lupus affects more than one million Americans each year, and although it can affect any part of the body, arthritis is a common symptom. Lupus patients also have a higher risk of developing heart disease, kidney problems, and seizures.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain in the body, as well as fatigue, memory problems, and mood changes.
- Sjogren's Syndrome: Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the glands that produce saliva and tears.
- Still's Disease: This arthritis causes arthritic flares in kids and teens, often accompanied by fever.
- Juvenile Arthritis: Although this arthritis commonly affects children, its symptoms are similar to RA. It usually starts between age four and seven years old but can also develop in adults.
Symptoms of Arthritis andRheumatic Diseases
Because arthritis and rheumatic diseases affect different parts of the body, patients experience a wide variety of symptoms. These include:
- Joint pain: arthritis and rheumatic diseases can cause joint pain that is mild or severe. Arthritis can also cause stiffness, swelling, redness, warmth around the joints, and a loss of strength in those areas.
- Muscle weakness: arthritis and rheumatic diseases can affect muscles to the point where they become so weak that it is difficult to lift objects.
- Fatigue: arthritis and rheumatic diseases can cause fatigue that makes it hard to get through the day, let alone exercise or perform normal activities of daily living.
- Fever: arthritis and the other rheumatic diseases can also lead to fevers due to arthritis flare-ups. These flares are often accompanied by fatigue and muscle weakness.
- Eye problems: arthritis and rheumatic diseases can cause eye problems such as dry eyes, blurred vision, or redness in the white of the eyeball (sclera). Sjogren's Syndrome is a typical example of this symptom.
- Heart disease and kidney problems: arthritis and rheumatic diseases can increase a person's risk for heart disease and kidney problems. Lupus is an excellent example of this, as it increases the risk for both conditions.
Who Can Treat Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases?
There are many different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, so it's important to find a doctor who specializes in the condition you have. Your primary care doctor may be able to treat some forms of arthritis, but for more complex cases, you'll need to see a rheumatologist.
Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. They can diagnose your condition, create a treatment plan, and monitor your progress.
They may also refer you to other specialists, such as a neurologist if you have lupus or a cardiologist if you have heart disease.
What is the Treatment for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases?
The treatment for arthritis and rheumatic diseases depends on the type of arthritis a person has. Treatments that may be prescribed include:
- Physical therapy to help increase range of motion in stiff joints and build muscle strength.
- Surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. In severe cases, surgery may be the only option.
- Medications, including pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and biological medications.
- Diet and exercise to help control arthritis symptoms.
- Heat or cold therapy to ease joint pain.
- Splints or braces to support joints that are weak or unstable.
Living With Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
If you have arthritis or a rheumatic disease, many things can help make your life easier. These include:
- A supportive family and friends. Be honest with them about what you need to manage arthritis symptoms like pain and fatigue.
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga.
- A sound support system from your doctor, including regular check-ups, blood tests, and medication adjustments.
