What is Inflammatory Arthritis?
Inflammatory arthritis includes a variety of illnesses that attack the joints because of immune system problems. Inflammatory arthritis takes many forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and are basically autoimmune disorders which cause the body to attack its own tissues which results in inflammation. Some arthritic conditions such as reactive arthritis develop in response to bacterial infections. Psoriatic arthritis is related to a medical condition known as psoriasis, a skin disease.
Technically, arthritis refers to any inflammation of the joints but the condition ranges widely from barely noticeable to symptoms like widespread pain that is nearly incapacitating. The pain can become so overwhelming it is hard to get through everyday activities.
There are quite a few different possibilities when it comes to the causes of inflammatory arthritis. If your lifestyle includes unhealthy habits such as heavy smoking or drinking, you may be at increased risk. Certain blood types are also more prone to developing this condition than others, and so you will want to be aware that genetics can often play a role here.
People with inflammatory arthritis often overlook the symptoms because they can be very subtle and at time even mimic those of common illnesses like the flu. An active condition can produce fatigue, lack of appetite, low grade fever, and muscular aches and pains.
Another commonly experienced symptom is inflammation, hence the name. You may feel as though there is significant swelling in joints which occurs without warning regardless of how much the affected joint has been used, and joints may become stiff and difficult to move.
It's extremely important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms because, if untreated, this ongoing inflammation can cause serious damage and disability. On a positive note, diagnosing inflammatory arthritis is very easy. Luckily, once diagnosed it is easy to treat and there is a wide variety of treatment options available to arthritis patients.
There are many over the counter medications and treatments available that will help to ease the pain associated with arthritis, but there is no known cure for arthritic conditions. So although your symptoms will likely be relieved, the medical treatments will not be able to address the actual root of the problem.
Technically, arthritis refers to any inflammation of the joints but the condition ranges widely from barely noticeable to symptoms like widespread pain that is nearly incapacitating. The pain can become so overwhelming it is hard to get through everyday activities.
There are quite a few different possibilities when it comes to the causes of inflammatory arthritis. If your lifestyle includes unhealthy habits such as heavy smoking or drinking, you may be at increased risk. Certain blood types are also more prone to developing this condition than others, and so you will want to be aware that genetics can often play a role here.
People with inflammatory arthritis often overlook the symptoms because they can be very subtle and at time even mimic those of common illnesses like the flu. An active condition can produce fatigue, lack of appetite, low grade fever, and muscular aches and pains.
Another commonly experienced symptom is inflammation, hence the name. You may feel as though there is significant swelling in joints which occurs without warning regardless of how much the affected joint has been used, and joints may become stiff and difficult to move.
It's extremely important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms because, if untreated, this ongoing inflammation can cause serious damage and disability. On a positive note, diagnosing inflammatory arthritis is very easy. Luckily, once diagnosed it is easy to treat and there is a wide variety of treatment options available to arthritis patients.
There are many over the counter medications and treatments available that will help to ease the pain associated with arthritis, but there is no known cure for arthritic conditions. So although your symptoms will likely be relieved, the medical treatments will not be able to address the actual root of the problem.
