What Are The Two Main Types Of Arthritis

Is It Possible To Prevent Arthritis

Yes. Arthritis can be prevented by following the preventive and safety measures along with the nutritious food. As we all know, there is no proper and permanent cure for arthritis. Therefore it is better to prevent arthritis before developing it. The preventive steps include:

Seronegative Ra: What Are The Symptoms Of Seronegative Ra

Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis without the presence of certain antibodies in the patients blood. It is one of two main types of rheumatoid arthritis diagnoses.

In most cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the patient tests positive for rheumatoid factor and/or anti-citrullinated peptides antibodies. These indicate that the patient is seropositive and that they possess the antibodies that cause an attack on joints and lead to inflammation. These patients tend to have a more severe disease course with more joint deformities, x-ray damage, disability and inflammation outside of the joints.

Other Conditions Associated With Seronegative Patients

A seronegative result along with what are thought to be rheumatoid arthritis symptoms could potentially indicate other conditions altogether. Often times when inflammation is present or consistent it means that the seronegative patient may have osteoarthritis instead of rheumatoid arthritis. This is a common confusion.

Spondyloarthritis conditions are sometimes associated with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis because they are inflammatory. These are conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, as well as psoriatic arthritis.

Also Check: How To Fight Against Arthritis

Difference Between Osteoarthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are several different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms. Although the symptoms of these two types of arthritis can be similar, it’s very important to distinguish between them in order to determine the proper treatment.

At the University of Michigan Health System, our experienced rheumatologists will do appropriate tests to determine which type of arthritis you have. Then we will develop an effective treatment plan and will explain your options.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage joint surface wears out. Osteoarthritis usually begins in an isolated joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body instead of intruders. In this case, it attacks the synovial membrane that encases and protects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis often targets several joints at one time. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• the symmetrical nature of the disease ,
• fever

After Receiving A Diagnosis There Is Nothing You Can Do

Thankfully, this is a myth. Although there is often no cure for the disease, its course varies depending on the type of arthritis. Medications are available that can help reduce the symptoms of many types of arthritis and slow disease progression.

People can also adopt certain lifestyle measures to slow the progression of some types of arthritis, such as maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

Generally, there is no cure for arthritis. However, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help relieve symptoms for some people with OA.

Both glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage. They are widely available in supplement form.

MNT spoke with Dr. Orrin Troum, a rheumatologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who explained why the myth might have arisen:

Despite the publication of the book by Dr. Jason Theodosakis The Arthritis Cure which suggested that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate could cure arthritis, those claims remain unsubstantiated.

Researchers have conducted a number of studies investigating both compounds in isolation and in combination, but the results are not clear cut. As an example, a large National Institutes of Health study from 2008 set out to investigate whether glucosamine and chondroitin are effective against knee OA pain.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health :

You May Like: Can You Eat Tomatoes If You Have Arthritis

The 5 Most Common Types Of Arthritis

Posted on December 2nd, 2015 by Orthopaedic Specialty Group

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease. Rather, it is an informal way of referring to joint pain and disease, according to the Arthritis Foundation. In fact, there are more than 100 types of arthritis, affecting people of all ages, races, and genders.

While many different types of arthritis exist, these five forms seem to be the most prevalent.

How To Treat Arthritis Naturally

The main motive of providing treatment to the arthritis patient is to focus on the symptoms that are responsible for this condition. Depending upon the condition of a person, there are different treatment options available. Some patients may even require the combination of these treatments to get better. Let us check out how you can try to cure arthritis:

Recommended Reading: How To Get Tested For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Weather Changes Can Make Arthritis Worse

There is a persistent claim that rain and damp weather make arthritis symptoms worse. We will end on this topic because although it sounds as though it should be a myth, there does seem to be some evidence that weather can influence arthritis symptoms. However, it is not conclusive, and the weather does not seem to affect everyone with arthritis.

MNT spoke with Dr. John Tiberi, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement and joint preservation at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute. He told us:

There is not a concrete, conclusive scientific explanation for the effect of weather on the symptoms of arthritis. There are several theories, however, and, anecdotally, patients frequently tell physicians that their symptoms do, in fact, vary with changes in the weather.

Dr. Troum echoed this message, saying, Many of my patients can tell when its going to rain or when the weather is going to change. I find them, at times, more reliable than the weather report! Patients with inflammatory arthritis or swollen joints frequently can feel the change in barometric pressure, typically the day before the weather changes.

The exact relationship between weather and arthritis symptoms is not understood, but it does seem to exist to some degree. Aside from detecting barometric changes, Dr. Schulz outlined the theory that low temperatures affect the viscosity of the joint fluid, which can also make the joint feel stiffer.

How Different Types Of Arthritis Affect Your Joints Differently

Do you believe your joint pain is caused by arthritis? With over 100 different types of arthritis identified, knowing the type you have could be the key to relieving your pain and inflammation. A qualified specialist can correctly diagnose your arthritis type and properly manage your symptoms with a targeted regimen.

At Western Orthopaedics in Arvada and Denver, Colorado, our team of orthopaedic specialists has many years of combined experience diagnosing and treating the various forms of arthritis. They can properly classify your arthritis type and treat your joint pain and any other symptoms.

Also Check: Can Psoriasis Lead To Psoriatic Arthritis

Types Of Arthritis And Rheumatic Diseases

• Challenges With Diagnosis

Rheumatic diseases are those characterized by inflammation and impaired function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body. There are more than 100 different types of rheumatic diseases, including arthritis and its various types, which are conditions that specifically produce joint inflammation. Pain, stiffness, and swelling are common symptoms associated with rheumatic diseases, but there can also be systemic effects with certain conditions.

In the United States, the most common rheumatic diseases are osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is estimated that 52.5 million people in the U.S. have arthritis or one of the rheumatic diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

What Is Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis

When a patient tests negative for RF and anti-CCP antibodies, yet they still display strong symptoms consistent with rheumatoid arthritis, they are given a diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.

The term seronegative means they dont possess the antibodies that seropositive patients do. In other words, seronegative patients may also simply possess extremely low levels of the antibodies not enough for the test to detect.

Many seronegative rheumatoid arthritis patients go on to develop antibodies years after their initial diagnosis, which then changes their diagnosis to seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. This is one of the many reasons that a patient can still be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis even if they are seronegative.

Also Check: Is Protein Good For Arthritis

Common Types Of Arthritis

Bacterial infections from septic arthritis can start as a skin infection or urinary tract infection . Your body reacts to the infection with inflammation, increasing pressure and a reduction of blood flow within the area, which only advances the damage to the joint.

The most common cause of septic arthritis is a bacterial infection with staphylococcus aureus , which often causes skin infections. Other bacterial infections that may cause septic arthritis are haemophilus influenzae, gram negative bacilli, streptococci, and gonococci.

Prompt treatment is advised because this infection can quickly and severely damage the cartilage and bone within the joint. Treatment involves antibiotics which should be taken as soon as possible if the septic arthritis is caused by a virus, you cannot treat it with medicine. You can also use medications , physical therapy, or a splint on the joint to alleviate pain.

Too much pus can cause further damage, so the fluid can be drained from the joint with a needle or surgically . Delayed treatment can result in joint degeneration and permanent damage.

Degenerative Arthritis

The most common type of arthritis, degenerative arthritis, is also known as osteoarthritis. This wear and tear variety of arthritis occurs when joint cartilage and the bone within the joint begin to wear away. The breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints starts to become painful as the erosion worsens.

Reactive Arthritis

Gout

How Is Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed

Once the blood tests rule out the presence of RF and anti-CPPs in the patient, it becomes more difficult to achieve a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. However, it does happen. Just as having the presence of antibodies doesnt necessarily solidify a seropositive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, the absence of antibodies doesnt necessarily rule out a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.

If a patient exhibits strong symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis , x-rays can be performed to further examine the symptoms. If the x-ray results indicate bone and cartilage erosion and damage, then a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can be made.

Testing for levels of inflammation in a patients joints also helps to support a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis in seronegative patients. Here are some important criteria doctors follow when diagnosing seronegative rheumatoid arthritis:

• Negative antibody blood test results
• Symmetrical symptoms
• Polyarthritic symptoms, meaning multiple joints are affected
• Condition is inflammatory

Don’t Miss: Is Red Meat Bad For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Va Disability For Arthritis: Service Connection

There are three main service connections for arthritis: direct service, presumptive service, and secondary service. Since arthritis is a gradual disability, there does not have to be an event or injury to prove service connection.

Wondering how to prove arthritis is service connected? Direct service connection is easier to show if you documented pain throughout and after your service. It will be much easier to determine your rating if you have past medical records indicating the presence of arthritis. Yet, arthritis is characterized as a presumptive service connection, so if you do not have any past records, you are still eligible for service-connected benefits.

Its important to mention that arthritis commonly worsens over time. Veterans who wait to claim VA disability for arthritis or to even receive an immediate VA disability rating may find it harder to make a VA claim. The closer to your discharge your arthritis begins to flare up, the easier it is to claim service connection.

Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis

Determining a prognosis or outcome for any rheumatoid arthritis patient is difficult. Seronegative patients are no different. The disease itself may start out with mild symptoms and involve into more severe symptoms that make treatment more difficult.

Seronegative patients are often regarded as having a milder set of symptoms compared to seropositive patients. Generally, seronegative patients dont develop rheumatoid nodules, which are commonly displayed in seropositive patients. This is never a certainty, however, and each patients individual symptoms and disease progression will differ.

Also Check: Does Exercise Help Arthritis In Back

Myth : Arthritis Is Not Preventable

It is not possible to prevent every case of arthritis, as some risk factors, such as advancing age, are not modifiable. However, people can eliminate or minimize certain risk factors to prevent the onset of arthritis or slow its progression. For instance, people with excess body weight have an increased risk of developing knee OA. Maintaining a moderate weight can lower arthritis risk. Smoking tobacco is also associated with an increased risk of developing RA. Quitting smoking will reduce the risk and bring a range of other health benefits. Also, as arthritis can develop following injuries, protecting the joints during sports or other physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis in later life.

How Is Arthritis Treated

Theres no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help you manage the condition. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the arthritis, its symptoms and your overall health.

Conservative treatments include:

• Medication: Anti-inflammatory and pain medications may help relieve your arthritis symptoms. Some medications, called biologics, target your immune systems inflammatory response. A healthcare provider may recommend biologics for your rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation can help improve strength, range of motion and overall mobility. Therapists can teach you how to adjust your daily activities to lessen arthritic pain.
• Therapeutic injections: Cortisone shots may help temporarily relieve pain and inflammation in your joints. Arthritis in certain joints, such as your knee, may improve with a treatment called viscosupplementation. It injects lubricant to help joints move smoothly.

Also Check: Is Cabbage Bad For Arthritis

Lifestyle And Home Remedies

In many cases, arthritis symptoms can be reduced with the following measures:

• Weight loss. Excess weight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints. Losing weight may increase your mobility and limit future joint injury.
• Exercise. Regular exercise can help keep joints flexible. Swimming and water aerobics may be good choices because the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
• Heat and cold. Heating pads or ice packs may help relieve arthritis pain.
• Assistive devices. Using canes, shoe inserts, walkers, raised toilet seats, and other assistive devices can help protect joints and improve your ability to perform daily tasks.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed

If you think you may have arthritis, see your healthcare provider. The provider will ask about your symptoms and learn how joint pain affects your life. Your provider will perform a physical exam, which may include:

• Assessing mobility and range of motion in your joints.
• Checking for areas of tenderness or swelling around your joints.
• Evaluating your overall health to determine if a different condition could be causing your symptoms.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Cream For Arthritis Pain

Assist Them In Operating And Managing Assistive Devices

For arthritis patients, assistive devices such as canes and walkers are necessary to move around. Sometimes, these devices can be difficult or clunky to use. It would be great if you could help a friend or loved one suffering from arthritis by learning how the assistive device works and teaching them how to use it correctly.

Therapeutic Effects Cold Laser Treatment

Cold laser can penetrate deeper skin surface without causing damage to the tissues and surrounding skin.

These lasers bring focused doses of ultraviolet light to affected areas of your skin to reach its deeper parts.

Cold laser treatment is safe to use because it does not generate scorch or heat. It also uses a precise healing technique with no known side effects.

You dont have to worry about skin reactions because it works on any skin type. Cold laser treatment also gives the following advantages-

• It aids in healing the wounds fast.
• It helps in the development of your muscle tissue and collagen.
• It helps produce new and healthy tissues and cells.
• It increases repair of cell tissues.
• It protects your skin from free radicals thereby slowing the aging process of your cells and tissues. It also prevents the development of degenerative diseases or conditions that are associated with aging, like-
• Alzheimers disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes

Also Check: How To Treat Arthritis Pain In Hip

List Of Different Types Of Arthritis

Synopsis: General information and list of over 150 various types of arthritis, a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints in humans. The most 5 common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Children and teens get a type of arthritis called juvenile idiopathic arthritis . “Juvenile” means young and “idiopathic” means cause unknown.

Degenerative Or Mechanical Arthritis

Degenerative or mechanical arthritis refers to a group of conditions that mainly involve damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones.

The main job of the smooth, slippery cartilage is to help the joints glide and move smoothly. This type of arthritis causes the cartilage to become thinner and rougher.

To compensate for the loss of cartilage and changes in joint function, the body begins to remodel the bone in an attempt to restore stability. This can cause undesirable bony growths to develop, called osteophytes. The joint can become misshapen. This condition is commonly called osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis can also result from previous damage to the joint such as a fracture or previous inflammation in the joint.

Don’t Miss: Which Fruit Is Good For Arthritis