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Back Arthritis Symptoms

Types And Treatment Of Arthritis

arthritis-symptoms: Back Arthritis Symptoms Arthritis is a general term that refers to a variety of joint problems that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Arthritis means inflammation of a joint, and can affect people of all ages. There are literally hundreds of types of arthritis, but here are a few of the most common.

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is caused by a breakdown of the cartilage in your joints. You may feel pain and stiffness, especially in the knees, fingers, hips, feet and back. Other symptoms include tenderness in your joints, loss of flexibility, and a grating sensation when you use the affected joint or joints.

This type of arthritis is most common after the age of 50, when the aging process begins to affect joints. Joint injuries, obesity, and having an occupation that causes stress on your joints may increase your risk of having osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A chronic type of arthritis, this is caused by inflammation of the membrane lining the joint. You may feel pain, stiffness, warmth, and swelling in joints on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is felt most commonly in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, knees, and neck. Other symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and other intense flu-like symptoms.

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, the onset of RA occurs most often around the age of 40, and it is more common in women than men.

Gout: Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid. Symptoms, occurring most often at night, include a sudden onset of burning pain, stiffness, and swelling. Pain is felt most often in the big toe, ankle, knee, wrist, and elbow.

Gout is most common in men ages 30-50. It can be caused from high uric acid levels in your blood, and may be aggravated by alcohol, certain foods, and exposure to cold. Some medical conditions, like uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes may increase your risk for developing gout.

If you are having joint pain or stiffness, see your physician. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways that may treat the symptoms and help reduce the pain. You may take over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, or your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or cortisone shots. Meanwhile, avoid putting stress on your joints and perform exercises that will help strengthen your muscles around your joints.

Sources:

MayoClinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019
WebMD http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/rheumatoid-athritis-symptoms-types
MayoClinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gout/DS00090

By James Norris - I am a Respiratory Therapist by trade. I am a father of five 2 boys and 3 girls. I live a 180 acre farm. Love to be outdoors and gardening. I have a passion for writing about gardening, healthcare, and radio...

Arthritis Information & Relief : Symptoms of Arthritis in the Back

5 Mar 2011 at 6:58am

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