What Are the Types and Symptoms of Arthritis?

Clinically, arthritis has a significant impact on the joints and surrounding tissues of the human body, especially among middle-aged and elderly people, who have a particularly high incidence rate of the disease. Arthritis can be classified into different types, and each type affects different joints and manifests different symptoms. Therefore, it is important to understand the classification and symptoms of arthritis in order to formulate appropriate treatment plans.

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect all parts of a joint, causing muscle pain, inflammation, and difficulty moving. It is more common in middle-aged and elderly people, and the incidence rate increases with age. According to statistics, 50% of people over 50 years old have osteoarthritis, and 90% of people over 65 years old suffer from this disease. Other risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, injury, and diabetes.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can invade the synovial membrane, cartilage, and bone, and its main symptoms include inflammation, joint congestion, fever, and pain. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can affect overall health and cause symptoms such as loss of appetite and general discomfort. Women are three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men, and the disease is most common between 35 and 50 years of age.

3. Traumatic Arthritis

Traumatic arthritis is often caused by injury or chronic strain, leading to degenerative changes in joint cartilage or the formation of bone spurs. It manifests as swelling, pain, and motor dysfunction in the affected joints, and is commonly seen in weight-bearing joints such as the shoulders, knees, and ankles. It is more common in athletes and young adults, and the types of traumatic arthritis can be complex.

4. Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is often caused by bacteria invading the joint cavity, and is more common in children and adolescents. It often occurs in the hip joint and is characterized by local redness, swelling, pain, heat, and functional impairment, as well as systemic symptoms such as high fever and other signs of intoxication. Regardless of the cause or type of arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent joint dysfunction or disability.

5. Rheumatic Arthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is one of the manifestations of rheumatic fever and is more common in adults. It often occurs in large joints such as the knees, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. The onset of the disease usually follows an upper respiratory infection, and is accompanied by migratory joint pain, swelling, fever, and other symptoms of rheumatic fever.