All types of arthritis are characterized by joint inflammation. Different forms of arthritis exist, each with its own causes, symptoms and treatment options. Here are the commonest arthritic conditions and some general information on symptoms as well as epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention:

Overview:

Arthritis can affect anyone at any age and severity can vary from mild to severe. The most prevalent forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and gout.

Symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion
• Difficulty with movement or function

Epidemiology:

• Arthritis is a widespread condition that affects millions globally.
• Arthritis rates increase with age but could still be present in younger adults, children or adolescents.
• Some forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus occur more frequently in women than men.

Causes:

• Osteoarthritis: Although aging and joint wear are often implicated, genetics, joint trauma occurrence or obesity may be considerations as well.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system begins attacking joints leading to inflammation and damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Occurs in some individuals who have psoriasis; it is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by swelling in both skin layers and joints.
• Gout: Caused by excess of the uric acid build-up in the joint, that results in sudden and severe attack characterized with pain, swelling and redness.

Diagnosis:

• Medical history and physical examination: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and conduct a physical examination to assess your joints.
• Imaging tests: Radiography, MRI or sonography may be used for visualizing the joints and determining arthritis conditions such as damage to the joint or inflammation.
• Blood tests: There are times when blood tests you may need to include checking for any signs of inflammation in addition to autoimmune disease related antibodies or high levels of uric acid that is common in gout patients.

Treatment:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), biologic therapies, or ULTs (urate-lowering therapy) could be prescribed depending on the type and severity of arthritis in question.
• Physical therapy: Such programs are participating designed for improvement on joint mobility which assist in managing arthritic symptoms and enable good quality life indices.
• Assistive devices: Supporting braces/splints/canes/orthotic shoe inserts can generally work better for affected areas thus improve mobility.
• Lifestyle modifications: arthritis symptoms can be managed and overall health improved through weight management, alterations in diet, coping with stress as well as eschewing activities that worsen the symptoms.