Rare Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for a group of conditions presenting with inflammation and damage to the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
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Common Arthritis Types
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Osteoarthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. This is when the joint cartilage wears down over time. Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joints that can be coupled with warmth, swelling, decreased range of motion and creaking of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disorder that attacks the joints and can affect the organs and tissues as well. Along with the typical joint and pain stiffness, rheumatoid arthritis can cause muscle aches, fatigue and low-grade fever.
Rare Types of Arthritis--Psoriatic Arthritis
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Psoriatic arthritis is inflammation of the joints and the skin, a condition known as psoriasis. Psoriasis is characterized by inflamed, red, patchy areas that develop scales or tough spots. This form of arthritis can cause inflammation in other areas of the body, such as the lungs, heart, eyes, kidneys and other organs. Other characteristics of psoriatic arthritis can include tendon inflammation, inflammation of the chest wall causing chest pain, pitting or ridging of the nails and acne, in addition to the patchy skin condition.
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Rare Types of Arthritis--Still's Disease
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Still's disease is a form of arthritis causing painful and swollen joints, daily fever spikes and a salmon-colored body rash. Muscle pains may occur with temperature spikes. Other symptoms of Still's disease include sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and enlargement of the liver or spleen. Inflammation of the linings of the heart or lungs may also occur.
Rare Types of Arthritis -- Palindromic Rheumatism
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Palindromic rheumatism is a rare inflammatory form of arthritis that includes sudden attacks of pain, redness, swelling and disability of the joints, similar to rheumatoid arthritis. It commonly affects larger joints of the body and the fingers. This condition, however, does not usually lead to joint damage, but can lead to the development of joint-damaging rheumatoid arthritis.
Rare Types of Arthritis--Septic Arthritis
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Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is a form of arthritis caused by an infection of the joints which then leads to arthritic joint changes. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. Septic arthritis is characterized by the typical joint swelling, redness and pain, with the addition of a fever and possible shaking chills. Prompt treatment of the infection may resolve symptoms however, permanent joint damage and deformity may occur with prolonged infection.
Managing Arthritis
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The best way to manage symptoms and joint damage is to consult with a qualified medical professional. Receiving both medical treatment and adhering to self-management techniques may slow joint damage and improve pain symptoms and dysfunction.
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