Three common types of arthritis and what to know about them

Arthritis is a disease that generally refers to joint pain or stiffness, and while it's pretty common it's not understood all that well. The Arthritis Foundation explains that arthritis isn't a single disease either -- there's more than 100 types of it and it affects people all ages, sexes, and races. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation says it's the leading cause of disability in America with more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children affected.

But it is important to note that arthritis is most common among women, and occurs more frequently as people get older. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes according to the Arthritis Foundation, and these changes can be visible like in finger joints, but often times the damage is only visible under x-ray. While there are dozens of types of arthritis, there are 3 types that are most common:

1. Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis, according to WebMD, and it has to do with the 'wear and tear" that happens to your joints over time. Usually this type of arthritis happens with age, but it's also been found in those with obesity because the weight puts extra stress on the joints. Osteoarthritis is most common in the knees, hips, feet, and spine.

Symptoms

- Deep, aching pain
- Trouble dressing, combing hair, gripping things, bending over, squatting, or climbing stairs. depending on which joints are involved
- Morning stiffness for less than an hour
- Pain when walking
- Stiffness after resting

And our joint may be:
- Warm to the touch
- Swollen and harder to move
- Unable to move through a full range of motion

Treatment

The Arthritis Foundation says treatment for Osteoarthritis are:

- Managing symptoms, such as pain, stiffness and swelling
-Improving joint mobility and flexibility which can be done with therapy
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough of exercise 

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid Arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune disease according to WebMD. RA attacks certain parts of the body, but especially the joints, which leads to inflammation and can cause severe damage to the joints if left untreated. RA usually affects multiple joints at once, and the symptoms can be gradual or appear suddenly. 

Symptoms

- Rheumatoid nodules. These form in about 1 in 5 people, and they usually form over joint areas that have a lot of pressure like knuckles, elbows, or heels.
- Pain and stiffness
- Swelling in your hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, jaw, and neck.
 - Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or weight

Treatment

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to help ease arthritis pain and inflammation Arthritis Foundation.
-  Corticosteroid medications are quick-acting medications to reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, are drugs that work to modify the course of the disease.
- Surgery is an option for people with RA whose mobility has been severely limited. 

3. Psoriatic Arthritis

You've probably heard of psoriasis before: the red, raised, and patchy skin condition that's inflamed and scaly. Well the Arthritis Foundation explains that about 30% of people have this skin condition first, and then develop psoriatic arthritis. PsA is actually an autoimmune disease that attacks the body's healthy tissue, and joints causing inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness. This can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms

- Painful swollen joints
- Pitted or discolored fingernails
- Sausage-like fingers or toes
- Stiffness
- Tendon or ligament pain
- Skin rashes ( like those associated with psoriasis)
- Fatigue
- Reduced range of motion
- Eye problems like redness, or irritation
- Flares
- Psoriatic Arthritis is also closely linked with Crohn's Disease

Treatment

- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to help ease arthritis pain and inflammation Arthritis Foundation.
-  Corticosteroid medications are quick-acting medications to reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, are drugs that work to modify the course of the disease. 

What to do if you recognize any of these signs or symptoms

If you recognize any of these signs or symptoms it's important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine if you have arthritis, and what to do next. You can also check out the Arthritis Foundation for a full list of the different kinds of arthritis, as well as theirtools and resources page which goes into treatments, drugs, and tips for dealing with arthritis.