| Arthritis as we all know is a disease that affects the | | | | nature and capable of affecting many internal organ |
| joint. It is not curable and affects both old and young. | | | | systems. SLE most often affects women in the |
| Arthritis has over 100 types. Proper and early diagnosis | | | | childbearing years. Early diagnosis and management |
| of the type of arthritis that a patient has is of a great | | | | are necessary since this disorder is potentially life |
| importance to be able to manage the arthritis condition | | | | threatening. |
| effectively. It is necessary in the establishment of | | | | POLYMYOSITIS: This inflammatory form of muscle |
| proper treatment plan and prevention of grave | | | | disease is often associated with arthritis because it is a |
| damage to the patient. | | | | systemic condition that affects all muscles. Careful |
| There are about 13 common types (Note: I said | | | | examination and appropriate aggressive medical |
| 'common types' not types because arthritis like I said | | | | therapy are necessary. |
| involves over 100 types) of arthritis condition. A few of | | | | FIBROMYALGIA: It is a soft tissue form of arthritis that |
| them are briefly described below: | | | | is due to defective neurotransmitter function in the |
| REACTIVE ARTHRITIS: It is a form of arthritis that | | | | brain. Patients with fibromyalgia present with bizarre |
| comes on after infections ...the most common type of | | | | symptoms because these neurotransmitters are |
| infections being intestinal/genitourinary. Young adults | | | | responsible for many sensory functions. |
| are often affected. Appropriate medical treatment is | | | | POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA: It occurs in people |
| very effective. | | | | after the age of 50 and presents with severe |
| GOUT: This common form of arthritis is due to | | | | stiffness and aching in the neck, shoulders & hips. |
| deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. There | | | | Since it is very treatable accurate diagnosis is needed. |
| is an aberration in the metabolism of urea results in | | | | So many conditions look like it, therefore an accurate |
| painful swellings around the joints especially of the big | | | | diagnosis is not always easy. |
| toe. In addition to joints, the kidneys are a big target of | | | | Other types include Ankylosing Spondylitis, Bechet's |
| this disease. | | | | disease, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Myositis, Paget's |
| SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE): This | | | | disease, Sceleroderma, Sjorgen's syndrome etc. |
| relatively common autoimmune disease is systemic in | | | | |