Do you feel debilitated while doing your daily chores, does the crackling sound from your knee bothers you? It can probably be Arthritis!

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of one or more joints, leading to pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. Joints are places where two bones meet like elbow or knee. Over a period of time a swollen joint can become severely damaged.

There are mainly 5 common types of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis

It is one of the most common forms of arthritis and is usually seen in people above the age of 45. This condition can damage any joint in the body. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage or cushion between the joints wears over a period of time, which can disrupt the quality of life affecting both work and normal daily activities. Symptoms include: Pain that increases with prolonged activity but gets better with rest, stiffness, tenderness and swelling, cracking sensation when the joint is in use. Life style changes such as maintaining healthy weight, doing low impact exercises and avoid smoking can prevent osteoarthritis.

Gout

Increase in level of uric acid and urate in the blood causes gout. When the kidney is unable to flesh out urate it causes high level of urate in the blood leading to formation of Gout crystals in joints. It leads to unbearable pain especially in the Big toe, ankle and wrist. The affected joint will be red and swollen. This can also be caused due to genetical condition, Obesity, increase level of cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and increase use of diuretics. Gout can be prevented by avoiding food with high purine content.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is an autoimmune disease which means your body immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joint lining leading to red, painful, and swollen joints. It usually starts slowly in smaller joints of hands and feet and later involving large joints as well. You may also feel stiff when u wake up in the morning that may last longer than half an hour. Raised value in ESR, CRP and presence of RF in blood can help in diagnosing the disease. Regular follow up is the most important part of treatment.

Psoriatic Arthritis

People with psoriasis are more prone to get Psoriatic arthritis which is characterized as painful swollen joints with irritable red patches on the skin. Symptoms can be mild or severe and can affect multiple joints at the same time. Environmental factors such as stress, viral infection or injury can cause a flare up of this condition.

Septic Arthritis

It is the type of arthritis that is caused by attack of bacterial or viral infection over the joints due to some other pre-existing disease in our body. This can be seen in newborn, children and adults. People with diabetes, cirrhosis, HIV and alcoholism are more prone to get Septic arthritis.