Arthritis is a condition we hear about almost every day. Most people associate arthritis with aging. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, arthritis in one of its many forms can strike at any age. For this reason, we are going to take a look at a definition of arthritis and its different forms.

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of a joint usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness. Causes for arthritis vary depending on the form. This is why it is necessary to look at the different forms of arthritis to understand its definition.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type. This one can be defined as arthritis brought about by normal wear and tear on the human body. It normally develops in middle age. However, trauma can lead to an earlier onset sometimes striking in a person’s 30s or early 40s. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, and treatments are limited to anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers. Lifestyle choices can affect when this type of arthritis strikes.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type and can strike at any age. It is marked not only by swelling of the joints but also deformity. There is no known prevention or cure for this type of arthritis and limited treatment options. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are often terribly limited in their daily activities. In most cases, rheumatoid arthritis is considered totally disabling.

Psoriatic arthritis is a relatively rare type of disabling arthritis linked to a mutated gene that causes the skin disease known as psoriasis. Studies in recent years have found that psoriasis is much more than simply a skin disorder. In fact, the condition that appears on the skin has been found to be merely an early sign of a more serious immune disorder. Individuals with psoriatic arthritis are almost always totally disabled at an early age.

Lumbar arthritis is closely related to osteoarthritis. The primary difference being that lumbar arthritis affects the lower spine. Over time, the discs in the spaces between the bones of the spine lose elasticity and begin to wear down. Spinal injuries can hasten this process. Otherwise, this is actually considered a normal part of aging. This type of arthritis can make it very difficult to get out of bed in the morning or to rise from a seated position if one has been sitting for very long. It can also spread into the pelvic region causing pain in the hips and thighs and sometimes, making walking difficult.

Gout is another form of arthritis that often develops late in life. Attacks of gout are caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, usually of the big toe, ankle, or knee. The pain of gout normally begins during the night and peaks early in the morning. There’s no known prevention, however, certain prescription medications provide relief from the symptoms in as little as 12 hours. Taking these medications daily can prevent another attack or at least reduce the severity.

All of these different forms of arthritis share one common characteristic, they all cause inflammation of the joints and pain. For most people, arthritis is something they may never have to worry about, or if they do, not until late in life. However, for some of us, arthritis is a daily ordeal that involves pain, stiffness, and inability to perform the normal functions of daily life. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are both hereditary and therefore unpreventable. Osteoarthritis, gout, and lumbar arthritis, while unpreventable, can be postponed by living a healthy lifestyle, watching one’s weight, and avoiding injury whenever possible. People who are overweight and those who live dangerously and to develop arthritic symptoms earlier in life.