Three Types of Arthritis With Treatment Options: Your Essential Guide

Arthritis in the human body happens in many different ways. Read about some various treatment options for dealing with arthritis.

Arthritis is everywhere. More than 52 million Americans have arthritis. It is the leading cause of disability inside the United States. 

Yet not all cases of arthritis come alike. There are several types of arthritis, each with its own treatment plans. 

What are some of the most common types of arthritis? What are their symptoms? What kinds of physical therapy should you pursue in order to mitigate your pain?

Answer these questions and you can live an active life, even with arthritis. Here is your quick guide. 

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease similar to lupus. A person’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the joints, causing swelling and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include swelling in the joints, fever, and weight loss. 

RA treatment involves medications that prevent the joints from becoming deformed. The medications do not affect the immune system, though they can have side effects such as heart problems. 

You can use yoga for RA pain relief. The key is to target areas in your body where you have symptoms. If you have arthritis in the knee, you should perform a side-angle pose that stretches your knee out. 

2. Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that produces scaly and red patches of skin. Some people who have it develop psoriatic arthritis. 

Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and weakness. Though most people experience psoriatic arthritis in their joints, it can occur elsewhere in the body.

The condition gets worse over time, so it is important to find treatment early on. There is no cure for it. 

Yet you can take anti-inflammatory medications that reduce pain. If a particular joint has a high amount of inflammation, you can get steroid injections into it. Massage therapy and stretches provide pain relief for some people. 

Psoriasis treatment is independent of psoriatic arthritis treatment. You can rub creams on your patches of skin and pursue light therapy. 

3. Osteoarthritis

The ends of bones have protective cartilage on them. This allows joints to move and prevents bones from bumping against each other.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage wears down. Bones can rub against each other, causing significant inflammation and pain. Common symptoms include tenderness in the joints and loss of flexibility. 

Osteoarthritis is non-curable, and the condition cannot be reversed. You can take medications and injections for it, and you can go through physical therapy. You should prioritize exercises that strengthen muscles around joints and increase flexibility. 

The Different Types of Arthritis

Arthritis comes in many forms. Rheumatoid arthritis results from an overactive immune system. Treatment is medication-heavy, though yoga can reduce pain and improve muscle strength. 

Psoriatic arthritis involves inflamed skin in addition to inflamed joints. Anti-inflammatory medications are essential to restoring joint function. You must also treat your damaged skin. 

Osteoarthritis wears down on the tissues between bones. It is very important to get treatment early and to strengthen your joints. 

You don’t have to go through arthritis treatment on your own. Army Gymnastics serves the Springville area. Contact us today.