When a patient is diagnosed with arthritis, it's important to know what kind of arthritis type it is and, of course, their doctor should tell them. Typically, there are three common forms of the degenerative disease. To learn more about each keep reading.

When a patient has arthritis, the type of arthritis with which they are diagnosed can make a major difference in how it's dealt with both at a personal and medical level. Experience with arthritis shows up in the form of painful joints, but there are many symptoms that can distinguish one condition from others.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It's often called degenerative joint disease and tends to be more common in older adults. However, osteoarthritis can still appear in younger people, when it is normally the result of injury, a hereditary disorder or metabolic problem.

With osteoarthritis, there is a wearing away of the smooth cartilage of the bone, resulting in exposed ends forming new bone. The overgrowth of this bony material is a confirmation on the diagnosis. It is often accompanied by pain when there is a shifting of joints along with and a sensation of grating known as "joint crepitus." This is where the bone ends that are both exposed and dry begin to rub against each other. Inflammation is not typically connected with Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is very different from osteoarthritis. With this form of the disease, the immune system malfunctions, causing the synovial joints to inflame. However, though inflammation is a common response of the immune system, the body is unable to control it. This inflammation and swelling weakens the ligaments and the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis can not only lead to deformity, but it can also be very painful. When a patient is experiencing an inflammation, simple tasks like opening a bottle or using a pen can be extremely painful and almost impossible. Rheumatoid arthritis will either worsen or often stay stable for a number of years before deteriorating further.

Rheumatoid arthritis progresses through five different stages. Stage 1 generally has no symptoms and inflammation is detected by results from a lab. Stage 2 stands out when the immune system gears up, causing mild stiffness of the joints and other problems.

Stage 3 sees increased swelling and decreased mobility. This is the stage where drug treatments are usually introduced. Stage 4 experiences the disease spreading to the cartilage and joints. A stage 5 diagnosis means the damage caused by the rheumatoid arthritis is often irreparable.

Rheumatoid arthritis is typically identified during Stage 2 or Stage 3 and after the patient has exhibited one or all of the following symptoms for a number of weeks - joint stiffness, swelling in the joints, swelling around the joints or swelling on either side of the joints.

Spondyloarthropathies

The term spondyloarthropathies actually refers to a number of arthritic disorders that affect the spine. Though it's the third most common form of arthritis, it's actually a blanket term to cover conditions such as psoriatic arthritis,?intestinal arthropathy, reactive anthropathy, Reiter's syndrome and more.

If you suspect you have arthritis, knowing the arthritis type of disease is critical to understanding your treatment. And remember, early diagnosis is critical, so see a doctor.?